Light Refraction: Causes & Angle Impact

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    Light Refraction
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the causes of light refraction, emphasizing the importance of both the change in speed and the angle of incidence. The Huygens–Fresnel principle is highlighted as a classical explanation for refraction, suggesting that light bends towards the denser part of an optical lens due to speed changes. Participants express a preference for classical optics explanations over quantum field theory, indicating a desire for practical understanding rather than complex theoretical frameworks.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Huygens–Fresnel principle
  • Basic knowledge of optical lenses and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concept of light speed in different media
  • Awareness of classical versus quantum optics
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the Huygens–Fresnel principle in detail
  • Explore the properties of optical lenses and their impact on light behavior
  • Study the relationship between light speed and medium density
  • Investigate classical optics versus quantum optics approaches
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of light behavior and refraction in various media.

brian.green
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What cause the refraction of light? I read somewhere the change of speed but the angle is also important. But why the light refract to the thicker part of an optical lens?
 
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Before you treat this question quantum-theoretically, which involves the propagation of photons in matter, i.e., you have to calculate the photon-polarization tensor in finite-temperature quantum field theory, you should look at the classical theory, how the dielectric function (more generally tensor) is evaluated within simple classical models of matter. The final outcome is amazingly close to the quantum treatment.
 
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brian.green said:
What cause the refraction of light? I read somewhere the change of speed but the angle is also important.

With the Huygens–Fresnel principle refraction can be explained with the change of the speed of light only.
 
My guess is you don't really want a quantum field theory answer ?

More an optics of hyperphysics kind of answer ?
 
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