Reflection and Transmission Intensity of randomly polarised light

In summary, at the Brewster angle, a randomly polarized beam of light will only have a TE mode reflection with an intensity determined by Fresnel's formula. There will be no reflection for TM mode. The refractive index of water is also a determining factor in the intensity of the transmitted and reflected beams.
  • #1
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Homework Statement


A randomly polarized beam of light hits a water surface at Brewster angle. What is the intensity of the transmitted and reflected beams? The refractive index of water is n = 1.33


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Since the light is randomly polarised, it should have equal electric field amplitudes in all directions? Am I supposed to sum up the electric fields along the p polarisation and s polarisation axis before using fresnel equations to calculate the intensity?
 
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  • #2
Light incident on the water surface is not randomly polarized in all directions. There is no component along the direction of the beam.

First thing is to find out what kind of light is reflected at the Brewster angle. Look into your textbook.
 
  • #3
At brewster angle TM mode (50% intensity) is not reflected. So the reflection is only TE, and reflection coefficient is given by Fresnel's formula.
 

FAQ: Reflection and Transmission Intensity of randomly polarised light

1. What is the difference between reflection and transmission intensity of randomly polarised light?

Reflection intensity refers to the amount of light that is reflected off of a surface, while transmission intensity refers to the amount of light that passes through a material. In the case of randomly polarised light, both reflection and transmission can occur, with varying intensities depending on the material and angle of incidence.

2. How is the reflection and transmission intensity of randomly polarised light measured?

The reflection and transmission intensity of randomly polarised light can be measured using a polarimeter, which measures the angle of polarisation of the light as it passes through a sample. The intensity can then be calculated based on the angle of polarisation.

3. What factors affect the reflection and transmission intensity of randomly polarised light?

The reflection and transmission intensity of randomly polarised light can be affected by the angle of incidence, the optical properties of the material, and the surface roughness of the material. Other factors such as the wavelength and polarization state of the light can also play a role.

4. What is the significance of studying reflection and transmission intensity of randomly polarised light?

Studying the reflection and transmission intensity of randomly polarised light can provide insights into the optical properties of materials and how they interact with light. This information can be useful in fields such as materials science, optics, and telecommunications.

5. Can the reflection and transmission intensity of randomly polarised light be controlled?

Yes, the reflection and transmission intensity of randomly polarised light can be controlled by altering the properties of the material, such as its thickness, composition, and surface roughness. Other techniques such as polarization filters can also be used to manipulate the intensity of polarised light.

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