Reflection and Transmission Intensity of randomly polarised light

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the intensity of transmitted and reflected beams of randomly polarized light hitting a water surface at Brewster angle, with a refractive index of water set at n = 1.33. It is established that at Brewster angle, only the transverse electric (TE) mode reflects, while the transverse magnetic (TM) mode experiences 50% intensity transmission. The reflection coefficient can be calculated using Fresnel's equations, emphasizing the need to consider the polarization components of the light.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Brewster's angle in optics
  • Familiarity with Fresnel's equations for reflection and transmission
  • Knowledge of polarization states of light (TE and TM modes)
  • Basic principles of light refraction and reflection
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Fresnel's equations in detail to calculate reflection and transmission coefficients
  • Research the concept of Brewster's angle and its applications in optics
  • Explore the behavior of polarized light in different media
  • Investigate the implications of light polarization in optical devices
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in optics, physicists, and engineers working with light transmission and reflection, particularly in applications involving polarized light and optical materials.

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Homework Statement


A randomly polarized beam of light hits a water surface at Brewster angle. What is the intensity of the transmitted and reflected beams? The refractive index of water is n = 1.33


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Since the light is randomly polarised, it should have equal electric field amplitudes in all directions? Am I supposed to sum up the electric fields along the p polarisation and s polarisation axis before using fresnel equations to calculate the intensity?
 
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Light incident on the water surface is not randomly polarized in all directions. There is no component along the direction of the beam.

First thing is to find out what kind of light is reflected at the Brewster angle. Look into your textbook.
 
At brewster angle TM mode (50% intensity) is not reflected. So the reflection is only TE, and reflection coefficient is given by Fresnel's formula.
 

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