Reflective And Transparent 3D material?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the search for a real-world material that is both reflective and transparent in three dimensions. A simple glass plane is noted for its transparency but limited reflection in two dimensions. The idea of using layers with different angles of polarization is proposed, though concerns about light exiting after reflection are raised. The concept of achieving depth in reflections is debated, with comparisons made to how mirrors and glass provide depth perception. The conversation ultimately questions the feasibility of creating a material that meets these specific reflective and transparent criteria.
Hornbein
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Is there any real-world material that is both reflective and transparent in 3D?

A simple plane of glass is 3D and transparent, but reflective only in two 2D planes. I'm looking for something that is reflective in a large number of parallel 2D planes so that the reflection has depth.

How about if each surface reflects a different polarization of light? One could have layers with different angles of polarization. But I don't see how the light would get back out after being reflected. The polarized layer would have to be a mirror in one direction and transparent in the other.
 
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Hornbein said:
I'm looking for something that is reflective in a large number of parallel 2D planes so that the reflection has depth.
The light would reflect back and forth between those planes. Or are asking about holograms?
 
What do you mean by "depth"? If I look at the reflection of an object in a mirror it appears to have the same depth as looking directly at the object. Its not like a 2D painting. Same for the reflection from a pane of glass.
 
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