Solving Light Refraction Boundary Conditions: Find T^-1

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on deriving the transmission coefficient T-1 for light transitioning through multiple media with varying refractive indices. The formula established is T-1 = (1/4n1n3) ((n1+n3)2 + ((n12-n22)(n32-n22)/n22) Sin(n2dω/c)). The derivation involves applying boundary conditions and utilizing Fresnel coefficients for reflection and transmission, as referenced in Jackson's "Classical Electrodynamics". The discussion emphasizes the importance of considering multiple reflections and phase shifts in the calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Fresnel coefficients for reflection and transmission
  • Familiarity with refractive indices and their implications in optics
  • Knowledge of geometric series and their application in wave transmission
  • Basic concepts of wave phase shifts in different media
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Fresnel equations in detail, particularly in Jackson's "Classical Electrodynamics"
  • Explore the concept of geometric series and its application in optics
  • Investigate phase shifts in wave propagation through different media, referencing Franklin's "Classical Electromagnetism"
  • Examine the implications of non-magnetic media on light transmission and reflection
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, optical engineers, and students studying electromagnetism and wave optics will benefit from this discussion, particularly those focused on light behavior at media interfaces.

drcrabs
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Can someone please help me with this question:

Light with frequency \omega in media 1 ,with refractive index n_{1} , is incident (normal) to an interface of media 2, with refractive index n_{2}, and then is incident on a second interface with refractive index n_{3}. Using boundary conditions show that the transmission coefficient is:

T^{-1} = \frac{1}{4n_1n_3} ((n_1+n_3)^2 + \frac{(n_1^2-n_2^2)(n_3^2-n_2^2)}{n_2^2} Sin(\frac{n_2d\omega}{c}))

So basically light starts in one media and passes though two different media and we get the above as the transmission coefficient
 
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If I understand correctly, T is what comes out the n2 area, to n3 and infinity?
The point in this question is this:
1. find the genreal Fresnel Coefficients for reflection and transmition between two medias (you can find it around page 306 in Jackson 3re ed.).
2. Now look at your own wave - it is transmitted into n2, some passes into n3 but some reflects from the n2-n3 boundary back to n2, some passes back to n1 and some again is reflected to n3. The wave is reflected an infinite amount of times and there is an infinite sum involved of all the transmitted waves. Luckily, it's a geometric series.
P.S you must assume the media is non-magnetic to get this expression.
3. Don't forget the phase added to the wave while passing n2.
 
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That problem is worked out on page 285 of Franklin "Classical Electromagnetism". The sin should be sin^2.
 

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