Document Type
Article
Publication Date
11-1978
Abstract
The reflection of light at the interface between two transparent, homogeneous and optically isotropic media such that the angle of refraction is 45° has the following interesting consequences: (i) the interface relfectivity for the parallel (p) polarization is the square of that for the perpendicular (s) polarization; (ii) the angular deviation of the propagation direction upon refraction is equal to the polarization (or ellipsometric) angle ψ and (iii) the complex reflection coefficient for the ppolarization is stationary, in both magnitude and phase, with respect to small charges of the (refractive and/or absorptive) optical properties of either one or both media. Furthermore, it follows from (iii) that: (iv) reflectivity of the p polarization, considered as a function of the ratio of refractive indices of the two media, is at a maximum; and (v) changes of the absolute magnitude and absolute phase of the reflection coefficient for the s polarization, caused by small perturbations of the optical properties, can be measured directly by ellipsometry.
Journal Name
Journal of the Optical Society of America (1917-1983)
Recommended Citation
R. M. A. Azzam, "Consequences of light reflection at the interface between two transparent media such that the angle of refraction is 45°," J. Opt. Soc. Am. 68, 1613-1615 (1978)
Comments
This paper was published in Journal of the Optical Society of America (1917-1983) and is made available as an electronic reprint with the permission of OSA. The paper can be found at the following URL on the OSA website: http://www.opticsinfobase.org/josa/abstract.cfm?URI=josa-68-11-1613. Systematic or multiple reproduction or distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.