Electromagnetic wave-fronts in anisotropic media as discontinuity surfaces. A new mechanical analogy: vortex sheets

Abstract

Under the hypothesis of electromagnetic waves propagation in inhomogeneous linear media with dielectric and magnetic anisotropy (in the absence of free charges and currents), analogies are presented between several discontinuity surfaces and wave-front propagation in these media. In particular, the "vortex sheet" model, borrowed from Fluid Mechanics is discussed.