Why Does Light Transition to a Second Medium During Total Internal Reflection?

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SUMMARY

This discussion addresses the phenomenon of total internal reflection (TIR) and the behavior of light at the boundary between two media with different refractive indices. When light travels from a medium with a higher refractive index to one with a lower refractive index at angles greater than the critical angle, it undergoes total internal reflection, as described by Snell's Law. The conversation explores the paradox of light not entering the second medium while still generating an electric field in the form of an exponentially decaying standing wave. This interpretation provides insights into the dual nature of light during TIR.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Snell's Law and refractive indices
  • Familiarity with the concept of total internal reflection
  • Knowledge of electromagnetic wave behavior
  • Basic principles of optics and wave propagation
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical derivation of Snell's Law
  • Explore the concept of critical angle in optics
  • Study the properties of standing waves in different media
  • Investigate the implications of light's dual nature in quantum mechanics
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Students and professionals in physics, optical engineers, and anyone interested in the principles of light behavior and wave optics.

arash1r
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Hi And Need Help
The main Question is what happens to light and cause go into next medium as total internal reflection happens for incident angles higher than critical angle ?
so the main question is why the light path throughout the second medium?
We know when light travels from a medium with a higher refractive index to one with a lower refractive index, according to Snell's law light in such cases is completely reflected by the boundary to the first medium, a phenomenon known as total internal reflection. so the main question is why the light path throughout the second medium?
My main propose is to achieve a physical interpretation of this paradoxical duality .
 
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At internal reflection, the light does not travel in the second medium, but there is an electric field there in the form of exponentially decaying standing wave.

ehild
 

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