Calculating Diameter of Beam in Glass Laser: Optics Theory

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the diameter of a laser beam as it passes through a glass pane with a refractive index of 1.5. The geometric interpretation involves the relationship between the angles of incidence and refraction, described by Snell's Law: n.t*sin(theta.t) = n.i*sin(theta.i). The participants explore the implications of this phenomenon, including optical path lengths and dispersion, while also considering the relevance of electromagnetic theory in this context. The conclusion emphasizes the simplicity of the trigonometric alteration of the incident area.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law in optics
  • Basic knowledge of geometric optics
  • Familiarity with refractive indices
  • Concept of optical path length
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of Snell's Law in various media
  • Explore the concept of optical path length in detail
  • Learn about dispersion and its effects on laser beams
  • Investigate electromagnetic theory as it relates to optics
USEFUL FOR

Students in upper-division optics courses, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the behavior of laser beams in different media.

dipstik
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laser beam of dia=D strikes at theta.i an n.t=1.5 glass pane. what is the diameter of the beam in the glass...

i started by setting up a geometric interpretation of the phenomena and concluded that the light would remain columned and both sides of the beam would simply shift from theta.i to theta.t, where n.t*sin(theta.t)=n.i*sin(theta.i). However, we are covering some of the physical interpretations of optics, such as dispersion and optical path lengths. Considering I'm only 3 weeks into my upperdivision optics class, what aspect of electromagnetic theroy would I introduce into this problem if any? Is it a trick question?... I doubt that.

Thanks for any help.
 
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they were just looking for the trigonometric alteration of incident area... deceptivly easy...
 

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