Content Starts Here
total internal reflection
Encyclopaedia Search
Total Internal Reflection
 the incident ray is in the substance with the higher refractive index and b) the angle of incidence exceeds a particular angle known as the critical angle. The critical angle for glass is 42° and for water, about 48°.', copy:'(Image © RM)'});)
Click image to enlarge
Complete reflection of a beam of light that occurs from the surface of an optically ‘less dense’ material. For example, a beam from an underwater light source can be reflected from the surface of the water, rather than escaping through the surface. Total internal reflection can only happen if a light beam hits a surface at an angle greater than the critical angle for that particular pair of materials.
Total internal reflection is used as a means of reflecting light inside prisms and optical fibres. Light is contained inside an optical fibre not by the cladding around it, but by the ability of the internal surface of the glass-fibre core to reflect 100% of the light, thereby keeping it trapped inside the fibre.
© Research Machines plc 2008. All rights reserved. Helicon Publishing is a division of Research Machines plc.
Advertisement starts
Advertisement ends
amplitude (physics)
angle of reflection
diffraction
diffraction grating
echo
frequency (physics)
hertz (science)
longitudinal wave
microwave radiation
pitch (music)
radio
radio wave
ray diagram
reflection (physics)
refraction
ripple tank
shadow
sound wave
speed of light
speed of sound
total internal reflection
transverse wave
ultrasound
vibration
wave (physics)
wavelength
angle of reflection
diffraction
diffraction grating
echo
frequency (physics)
hertz (science)
longitudinal wave
microwave radiation
pitch (music)
radio
radio wave
ray diagram
reflection (physics)
refraction
ripple tank
shadow
sound wave
speed of light
speed of sound
total internal reflection
transverse wave
ultrasound
vibration
wave (physics)
wavelength
Related Links
Egypt Flag
Red, white, and black are the colours of Arab nationalism. Effective date: 4 October 1984.
>>
Advertorial
Find out how to buy the things you've always wanted and sell the things you don't on ebay.
Font size
Mail
My account
Help
Community
Print now
Send to a friend
Related articles
Related products
