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The maximum intensity for light transmitted through a thin film
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[QUOTE="FranzDiCoccio, post: 6149192, member: 141434"] I do not think it's that. I am afraid that somehow I dragged you in my doubt. Apologies. But by replying to your comment I think I cleared my doubt. I think my confusion arises from two different meaning of "maximum": the first has to do with Fresnel equations and conservation of energy, the second has to do with constructive interference. What you (and the textbook solution) seem to suggest is that it is a matter of energy: whatever light is not reflected is refracted (assuming no absorption). But Fresnel equations depend on the angle, that here is fixed (and very small). So the ratio of transmitted/incident light is fixed, for a "single ray". Transmitted light is what it is. Here "maximum" and "minimum" refer to constructive and destructive interference, so it cannot be a matter of a "single ray". Even if the reflected intensity is maximum, the thickness of the film could be such that the reflected light cannot be seen due to destructive interference. In the end, the textbook is not interested in assessing the amount of transmitted light, but only the wavelength attaining the maximum intensity (considering interference effects). I think the textbook solution is correct, and probably works in any situation (any combination of refractive indices involved). But it's not a matter of energy, as it suggests (IMO). [/QUOTE]
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The maximum intensity for light transmitted through a thin film
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