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Meadowlark Optics - Wave Plates 6/24 LB 2024
Photonics Dictionary

Fresnel reflection

Fresnel reflection refers to the reflection of light at the interface between two different media with different refractive indices. This phenomenon was named after the French engineer and physicist Augustin-Jean Fresnel, who made significant contributions to the understanding of light and optics in the 19th century.

When light encounters a boundary between two materials with different refractive indices, part of the incident light is reflected and part is transmitted into the second medium. The reflected light undergoes a phase change, and the amount of light reflected depends on the angle of incidence and the refractive indices of the two media.

Fresnel reflection can be observed in various situations, such as when light travels from air to glass or from air to water. The reflection is influenced by the polarization and angle of incidence of the light. This phenomenon is important in optics and plays a role in the design of optical coatings, antireflective coatings, and various optical devices. Engineers and scientists often use Fresnel equations to calculate the intensity of reflected and transmitted light at interfaces with different refractive indices.

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