Why don't metals polarize light on reflection

In summary, dielectrics polarize light reflected at/near the Brewster angle because the parallel and perpendicular reflection coefficients are different and vary with angle. This creates a pure polarized reflection at the Brewster angle. Metals, on the other hand, do not polarize light because the ratio of E to H does not match the impedance of the material, and tilting the E vector in front of the material only increases the reflection. A good conceptual explanation for why light becomes polarized when reflected from dielectrics is that the E vector can be shortened in space by tilting it, while for the other orientation, the H vector becomes shorter, resulting in a smaller E for the transmitted wave.
  • #1
peter.ell
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I know that dielectrics polarize light reflected at/near the Brewster angle, but why is it that metals never do this, only dielectrics?

Also, does anyone know of a good, simple conceptual explanation for why light becomes polarized when it's reflected from dielectrics?
 
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  • #2
The reflection coefficients for light reflecting off metal don't change with angle and have magnitude 1.

For dielectrics the parallel and perp coefficients are different and vary with angle. Brewster angle is where one of them is zero leaving a pure polarized reflection.
 
  • #3
Conceptual explanation is you will not have a reflection if the ratio of E to H matches the impedance of the material. For a dielectric you can shorten the E vector in space in front of the material by tilting it. For the other orientation the H gets shorter and that only increases the reflection since tge transmitted wave has to have a smaller E.
 

1. Why do metals appear shiny if they don't polarize light on reflection?

Metals appear shiny because they have a high reflectivity, meaning that they reflect a large portion of the incident light. This creates a bright and shiny appearance to our eyes.

2. How does the atomic structure of metals affect their ability to polarize light on reflection?

The atoms in metals are arranged in a regular and symmetric lattice, which does not allow for the separation of positive and negative charge necessary to polarize light. This results in the inability of metals to polarize light on reflection.

3. Can metals polarize light in any other way besides reflection?

No, metals cannot polarize light in any other way besides reflection. Due to their atomic structure, they do not have the ability to rotate or vibrate light in a way that would create polarization.

4. How does the conductivity of metals relate to their inability to polarize light on reflection?

Metals are highly conductive, which means that they have a large number of free electrons that can move freely within the material. This results in a rapid and even cancellation of any polarized light, preventing polarization on reflection.

5. Can the surface treatment of metals affect their ability to polarize light on reflection?

No, the surface treatment of metals does not affect their ability to polarize light on reflection. This is because polarization is dependent on the atomic structure of the material, rather than its surface properties.

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