Preface to the surface wave papers

In view of the current theoretical and experimental interest in electromagnetic surface waves, several sessions were devoted to this subject. In the present context, surface waves are regarded as any wave which glides along an interface between dissimilar media. With this in mind, active workers in the field were invited to submit papers representative of current research in this general area. Following the sessions, a round-table discussion was held. The participants were chosen from the surface wave authors. The topics considered were: 1) influence of curvature; 2) implications of impedance boundary conditions; and 3) spatial modulation of the surface properties. No attempt was made at this time to set up a classification of surface wave types. The discussion, however, provided an excellent opportunity to air various viewpoints in the field. For the next General Assembly of URSI, to be held in London in 1960, a summary report on the properties and classification of surface waves is to be prepared. Much of the material presented at the symposium is to be distilled and issued as a working document for distribution at the meeting.