Where do antireflective coatings reflect light?

[Christofer Br]

Lets consider an index matching antireflective coating on a conducting substrate (i.e. salisbury screen). The waves reflected destructively interfere in the direction of specular reflection. However, the energy has to be conserved, and since it is not transmitted, it most me reflected in a different direction. How do i figure out the new angle of reflection?

 

[BvU]

Hi,

In articles they use the term absorbed when there is no reflection. Is there a basis for your

the energy has to be conserved, and since it is not transmitted, it must me reflected in a different direction

 

[sophiecentaur]

How do i figure out the new angle of reflection?

The angle for the inevitable tiny bit of reflected light will be the same as if the coating were not there. The light that would have been reflected will go through with the main beam because the refraction acts on everything that goes through.