Mediums that only refract light

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Surfaces that only refract light do exist, but they require specific conditions to prevent reflection entirely. Refraction occurs when light passes into a medium with a different optical impedance, characterized by the index of refraction. The Fresnel equations determine the ratio of light that is refracted versus reflected at an interface. A continuously changing index of refraction can be analyzed using the eikonal equation to track light rays. Understanding these principles is essential for exploring the behavior of light in various mediums.
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I know there exists surfaces that only reflect light (mirrors), but are there surfaces that only refract light? If so, how does that happen?
 
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ghostfolk said:
I know there exists surfaces that only reflect light (mirrors), but are there surfaces that only refract light? If so, how does that happen?

Welcome to the PF.

What do you mean by "light"? Do you mean just the visible EM spectrum? If so, a mirror reflects much more than just the visible spectrum of light.
 
Well I guess I'm referring to the visible range.
 
I think that his "only" refers to refraction and not to the spectral band (visible light).
A surface which will not reflect light at all so all incident light will be "refracted" into the second medium.
 
For light to be refracted (bending of rays) there must be a change in the optical impedance: the index of refraction. Then the Frenel equations describe how much of the light is refracted, and how much is reflected. If the index of refraction is continually changing the eikonal equation can be used to track the rays.

The same principles apply to all types of waves.
 

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