Reflection and refraction of plane electromagnetic waves

• Below you can choose the quotient of refraction indexes n₂/n₁ = n2/n1, the amplitudes in the direction parallel (E_║= Epar) and perpendicular (E_⊥= Eper) to the plane of incidence, as well as the phase difference (δ = delta) between these two components.
• By checking Total E you will get the total electric field, instead of its components.
• You may also control whether the surface between both media, the plane of incidence a a set of Cartesian axes are displayed.
• The point of view of the three-dimensional projection can be changed with the cursors or the mouse.
• The whole image can be moved with the mouse while pressing Ctrl.
• To change the zoom in the projection, press Shift when moving up or down the mouse pointer.
• Put the mouse pointer over an element to get information about it.

Activities

• Select Incidence to check that the three rays lie on the same plane.
• Check Snell's law by changing the incidence angle θ_i = θi with the slider on the left.
• Set a small incidence angle and select for n2/n1 a value smaller than 1, so that light moves faster in the second medium. By increasing the incidence angle show that at some time the refracted ray disappears. Check the numerical value of this critical angle for total internal reflection.
• Set Epar=Eper and delta = 90°, so that the incident ligth is circularly polarized. By changing the incidence angle check Brewster's law, according to which the reflected light is linearly polarized in the direction perpendicular to the plane of incidence (and parallel to the surface) when θ_i + θ_r = π/2.
• Set normal incidence (θ_i = 0) and discuss in which cases the reflection introduces a phase difference equal to π.