Exploring Total Internal Reflection: Why Does Light Path Through a 2nd Medium?

In summary, the conversation discusses the phenomenon of total internal reflection and its implications for the path of light when it travels from a medium with a higher refractive index to one with a lower refractive index. The main question is why light does not travel through the second medium, and the goal is to achieve a physical interpretation of this paradoxical duality. It is explained that during internal reflection, the light does not physically travel through the second medium but instead creates an electric field in the form of an exponentially decaying standing wave.
  • #1
arash1r
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Hi And Need Help
The main Question is what happens to light and cause go into next medium as total internal reflection happens for incident angles higher than critical angle ?
so the main question is why the light path throughout the second medium?
We know when light travels from a medium with a higher refractive index to one with a lower refractive index, according to Snell's law light in such cases is completely reflected by the boundary to the first medium, a phenomenon known as total internal reflection. so the main question is why the light path throughout the second medium?
My main propose is to achieve a physical interpretation of this paradoxical duality .
 
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  • #2
At internal reflection, the light does not travel in the second medium, but there is an electric field there in the form of exponentially decaying standing wave.

ehild
 

1. What is total internal reflection?

Total internal reflection is a phenomenon that occurs when a light ray traveling through a medium reaches the boundary of another medium with a lower refractive index. Instead of passing through, the light ray is completely reflected back into the first medium.

2. How does total internal reflection occur?

Total internal reflection occurs due to the difference in refractive indices between two mediums. When a light ray enters a medium with a lower refractive index, it slows down and bends away from the normal. If the angle of incidence is large enough, the light ray will be completely reflected back into the first medium instead of passing through.

3. What are some real-world applications of total internal reflection?

Total internal reflection has many practical applications, such as in optical fibers, which use the principle of total internal reflection to transmit light signals over long distances. It is also used in devices like prisms and binoculars, as well as in medical imaging techniques like endoscopy.

4. Can total internal reflection only occur with light?

No, total internal reflection can occur with any type of wave, including sound waves and water waves. However, it is most commonly observed with light waves due to their high frequency and ability to easily change direction.

5. How does the angle of incidence affect total internal reflection?

The angle of incidence plays a crucial role in total internal reflection. The phenomenon only occurs when the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle, which is determined by the refractive indices of the two mediums. If the angle of incidence is less than the critical angle, the light ray will pass through the boundary between the two mediums instead of being reflected.

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