Short-pulse scattering by a long wire

In order to study the traveling-wave mode, short-pulse scattering experiments were performed using a long wire (long compared to the pulsewidth). For near end-on incidence, three resolved pulses were measured. The first pulse was verified to originate at the rear end of the wire, and the second and third pulses from distances one and two wire lengths behind the first pulse. These pulses are theoretically explained in terms of traveling waves reflected and diffracted at both ends of the wire. The short-pulse scattering data are in agreement with theory.