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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the merits of using a metal surface in conjunction with a glass/air boundary, particularly in the context of internal reflection in prisms and mirrors. Participants explore the implications of reflectance and the conditions under which maximum reflectance is desirable.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster questions the advantages of a metal surface when n2(imag)=0 and seeks to understand scenarios where maximum reflectance is crucial. Other participants suggest practical applications, such as in laser cavities and optical instruments, while also discussing the nature of total reflection compared to metal reflection.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing insights and examples related to total reflection and its applications. Some guidance has been offered regarding specific scenarios where these concepts apply, though multiple interpretations and applications are still being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the implications of reflectance in various optical contexts, including the potential limitations of metal mirrors compared to total internal reflection. There is an ongoing inquiry into the practical importance of achieving high reflectance in specific situations.

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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