Diffraction by a Half-Plane

Abstract

The diffraction of a simple harmonic wave train by a straightedged semi-infinite screen was originally discussed by Sommerfeld in 1895. The analysis is of a recondite character, involving the use of multivalued functions and Riemann surfaces (1). An alternative formulation of the problem is as an inhomogeneous Wiener-Hop integral equation, the solution of which also involves considerable difficulties (2). It is the purpose of this note to show that following Friedlander (3) it is possible by the use of parabolic co-ordinates to solve the problem by elementary methods. The method can be applied either to the case of sound or that of electromagnetism, the results being formally identical.