Refraction Index Conventions: Complex Reflection/Transmission Coeff.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conventions used to express the index of refraction in complex form, specifically n'-jn" or n'+jn", and their impact on the calculation of complex reflection and transmission coefficients. It is established that while the coefficients may differ based on the chosen convention, the measurable quantities of transmittivity and reflectivity remain consistent across conventions. This highlights the importance of selecting a convention that accurately describes the physical phenomena without altering the underlying physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers in optics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of reflection and transmission coefficients
  • Knowledge of the index of refraction and its physical significance
  • Basic principles of wave propagation in different media
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  • Research the mathematical formulation of complex reflection and transmission coefficients
  • Study the implications of different conventions in optical physics
  • Explore the relationship between transmittivity, reflectivity, and the index of refraction
  • Examine case studies where convention choice impacts optical measurements
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Optical physicists, engineers working with optical systems, and students studying wave optics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the mathematical and conceptual foundations of light behavior in various media.

Josette
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Hi! I'm new to this forum.
The index of refraction of a medium can be expressed as n'-jn" or n'+jn" as per the convention chosen for the phase advance in time(n" stands for absorption). Am I right in saying that the complex reflection/transmission coefficient calculated as a function of frequency would be different for the 2 conventions?
Thanks for helping...
 
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Hi! lonely question!
I don't understand what you mean by convention chosen for the phase advance in time. Anyway, the convention should be determined so that transmitted light is correctly described as attenuated one. The complex transmission/reflection coefficient may differ from convention to convention. But transmittivity and reflectivity calculated from those coefficients should not differ. Because transmittivity and reflectivity are measureable quantities. If those differ from convention to convention, physics changes by convention used to describe the phenomena. I think it is unacceptable.
 

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