Wave Vector
Definition: a vector indicating the direction of wave propagation and the phase delay per unit length
How to cite the article; suggest additional literature
Author: Dr. Rüdiger Paschotta
The wave vector (or k vector) of a plane wave is a vector which points in the direction in which the wave propagates. It is always perpendicular to the wavefronts. Its magnitude is the wavenumber as defined by
where λ is the wavelength in the medium (not the vacuum wavelength).
In non-isotropic media, the direction of energy flow can deviate from that of the wave vector. This phenomenon is called spatial walk-off.
In media with absorption or gain, the wave vector can have complex components. In case of an evanescent wave (→ total internal reflection), it can even have a purely imaginary component.
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See also: plane waves, wavenumber, spatial walk-off
and other articles in the category general optics
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