Single strip diffraction: comparison of Kirchhoff theory and geometrical theory with the exact solution in the limit of small glancing angle and width; perpendicular polarization.

A comparison is made between approximations using the geometrical theory of diffraction (GTD) and Kirchhoff theory and the exact solution using Maxwell's equations for the case of Fraunhofer diffraction of electromagnetic radiation incident upon a long, thin, perfectly conducting strip with the electric field vector polarized perpendicular to the strip axis. Strip widths from approximately 0.3lambda to 3lambda are considered. Glancing angles of incidence are taken from 4 degrees to 90 degrees . Irradiances are compared as a function of diffraction angle in the region on the same side of the strip as the incident radiation.