Benefits of using a metal surface with glass/air boundary?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the advantages of using a metal surface in conjunction with a glass/air boundary, particularly in applications involving total internal reflection, such as laser cavities and optical instruments. It highlights that total reflection achieves near 100% reflectance, surpassing the capabilities of metal mirrors. Key applications include fiber optics, optical cavities in lasers, and the use of prisms for image manipulation. The conversation also touches on the practical benefits of metal surfaces in preventing grime accumulation on glass.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of total internal reflection principles
  • Familiarity with laser cavity design and functionality
  • Knowledge of optical instruments and their applications
  • Basic concepts of fiber optics technology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of total internal reflection in optics
  • Explore the design and applications of laser cavities
  • Learn about the use of prisms in optical instruments
  • Investigate the role of fiber optics in modern communication systems
USEFUL FOR

Optical engineers, physicists, and anyone involved in the design and application of optical systems, particularly those focusing on laser technology and fiber optics.

ZedCar
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I was looking at this webpage:
http://www.ap.smu.ca/demos/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=120&Itemid=85

I was wondering, when n2(imag)=0 what would be the merits of using a metal surface and a glass/air boundary (ie internal reflection in a prism) as a mirror surface?

Also, in what situations might it be important to achieve the maximum reflectance possible?

Thank you. :smile:
 
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Is it because the metal keeps grime off the glass?

I think, in a laser cavity, would be one example of this. Are there any other examples?

Thanks
 
Total reflection really produces 100% reflection while the reflection of a metal mirror never reaches 100%.

If you dive below the surface of water and see upward you will see the the world above water in a circle surrounded by the image of the world below the water surface.
Mirage appears because of total reflection.
The enhanced sparkle of diamond crystals is caused by total reflection.

As applications, fibre optics is one of most important. And yes, it happens in the optical cavity of a laser.
It is also used in optical instruments to turn an upside-down image back to normal with a prism or change the direction of light ray without loss.

Waveguides and ATR (attenuated total reflection prisms) are used in some optical methods of material testing.

ehild
 
Thank you ehild!
 

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