Exploring Reflection Shifts in Beam Splitters

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Reflection shifts in beam splitters are influenced by the refractive indices of the materials involved, with no phase shift occurring during rear surface reflections due to the lower refractive index of air compared to glass. The discussion highlights the importance of the metal layer between the glass and air, particularly regarding phase shifts when the metal is thick. The Jones matrix remains unchanged when the front surface is rotated 180°, indicating that R(180) equals R(-180). A key question raised is the discrepancy between front and rear reflection shifts, suggesting a need for further exploration of these phenomena. Understanding these factors is crucial for applications in optics and photonics.
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I read this

No phase shift accompanies a rear surface reflection, since the medium behind the mirror (air) has a lower refractive index than the medium the light is traveling in (glass).

They do not talk about the metal between glass and air! Reflection occurs between glass (low index) and metal (high index)in the beam splitter. What about phase when metal is thick?
 
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For more detail see: http://relativity.livingreviews.org/open?pubNo=lrr-2010-1&page=articlesu9.html
 
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Good link
look at Jones matrix
if we rotate the front surface by 180° it becomes a rear surface.
We have R(180) = R(-180) = -I
So the Jones matrix should remain unchanged.
Why is there a difference between the front reflection shift and the rear reflection shift?
 
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