Help Deriving Fresnel's Equations Please

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving Fresnel's equation for reflection at a boundary between two media, specifically simplifying the equation for perpendicular polarization. The original equation is given as [ni cos θi - nt cos θt] / [ni cos θi + nt cos θt], which the user aims to transform into -sin(θi - θt) / sin(θi + θt). Key tools mentioned include Snell's Law (nt sin θt = ni sin θi) and trigonometric identities such as cos²θ = √(1 - sin²θ) and sin(a - b) = sin a cos b - cos a sin b. The user is seeking assistance primarily in eliminating the square root to achieve the desired form.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fresnel's equations and their applications in optics.
  • Familiarity with Snell's Law and its implications in wave propagation.
  • Knowledge of trigonometric identities and their manipulations.
  • Basic skills in algebraic substitution and simplification techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Fresnel's equations for both perpendicular and parallel polarizations.
  • Learn about the application of Snell's Law in different optical scenarios.
  • Explore advanced trigonometric identities and their proofs.
  • Practice algebraic manipulation techniques to simplify complex equations.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physics students, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the mathematical foundations of wave optics and light behavior at interfaces.

Fjolvar
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I'm trying to derive/simplify Fresnel's equation for r perp from its form:

[ni cos [tex]\theta[/tex]i - nt cos[tex]\theta[/tex] t] / [ni cos [tex]\theta[/tex] i + ntcos[tex]\theta[/tex]t]

to ---> - sin ([tex]\theta[/tex]i - [tex]\theta[/tex]t) / sin ([tex]\theta[/tex]i + [tex]\theta[/tex]t)

From what I've gathered you need to use Snell's law ntsin[tex]\theta[/tex]t = nisin[tex]\theta[/tex]i

and also substitute the identity cos^2[tex]\theta[/tex] = [tex]\sqrt{1-sin^2\theta}[/tex]

I've been playing with the substitutions along with the trig identity Sin (a-b) = sinacosb - cosasinb... but i cannot get it to work. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm stuck mostly on getting rid of the square root after making the substitution to get the trig identity form. Thanks.
 
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Even a hint will be appreciated if you don't want to show the derivation.
 

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