Probability of photons reflecting or refracting

In summary, photons have a probability of reflecting or refracting when interacting with surfaces or materials. The likelihood of reflection or refraction depends on the angle and energy of the photon, as well as the properties of the surface it encounters. When a photon hits a smooth surface at a perpendicular angle, it is more likely to reflect, while at an oblique angle it is more likely to refract. The reflective and refractive indices of a material also play a role in determining the probability of reflection or refraction. This phenomenon is essential in understanding how light behaves and is utilized in various applications such as optics and photography.
  • #1
QuED
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I understand that the probability of a photon refracting or reflecting between mediums is dependant on the photon's angle of incidence and the two medium's refractive indexes.

How can I calculate the probability of a photon reflecting instead of refracting for example, a sheet of glass at a 45 degree angle of incidence?

thanks
 
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  • #2
All the photon probabilities come from the classical EM Fresnel relations. These are given in most EM textbooks. The classical reflection (R) and transmission (T) coefficients derived from the Fresnel relations are just the photon probabilities.
 
  • #3

1. What is the difference between reflection and refraction?

Reflection is the bouncing back of light rays from a surface, while refraction is the bending of light as it passes through a medium with a different density.

2. How is the probability of reflection or refraction of photons determined?

The probability of reflection or refraction of photons is determined by the angle of incidence, the refractive index of the medium, and the polarization of the light.

3. How does the angle of incidence affect the probability of reflection or refraction?

The angle of incidence is directly related to the probability of reflection or refraction. A higher angle of incidence increases the probability of reflection, while a lower angle of incidence increases the probability of refraction.

4. What is the refractive index and how does it affect the probability of reflection or refraction?

The refractive index is a measure of how much a medium can bend light. A higher refractive index means that light will bend more, increasing the probability of refraction.

5. How does the polarization of light affect the probability of reflection or refraction?

The polarization of light refers to the direction in which the electric field oscillates. The probability of reflection or refraction is affected by the orientation of the polarization with respect to the surface or medium, with certain orientations having a higher probability of reflection or refraction than others.

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