A classical electromagnetic wave (infrared light) is traveling to the right through
two media (1 and 2) of different indices of refraction n1 and n2,
respectively (position is given in microns, mm).
As the light encounters a change in index of refraction, part of it is transmitted through the surface and part
is reflected backwards. Shown in red is the left-moving part of the EM wave (the reflected wave) and
shown in blue is the right-moving part of the EM wave (the incident wave in Region 1 and the transmitted wave in
Region 2).
Questions
Vary n2 from 1 to 5 by clicking the links above.
1. How does the reflected wave in Region 1 compare to the incident wave
in Region 1? Be as explicit as possible.
2. As n2
increases, what happens to the reflected wave compared to the transmitted wave?
3. Consider the case when n2 = 5. Looking at the
waves in Region 1, if they were combined, what would the combination look like?
Answer in the form below, a short answer for each is fine.
This report is due by 8:00 am XXXXday morning.