Frustrated total internal reflection: Difference between revisions
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Frustrated total internal reflection, or '''FITR''', is a phenomenon that occurs when electromagnetic waves reflected within an | Frustrated total internal reflection, or '''FITR''', is a phenomenon that occurs when electromagnetic waves reflected within an optical medium(with a lower index of refraction) are interrupted in their internal reflection by an object with a higher refractive index. | ||
In a typical optical system, total internal reflection | In a typical optical system, total internal reflection occurs when a light ray reflects completely inside higher-index medium and reflects onto a lower-index surface. | ||
The optical properties of light can be generally identified through four categories: | |||
* refraction | |||
* reflection | |||
* interference | |||
* diffraction | |||
Refraction occurs when a the speed of a light wave changes as it enters a slower medium. The amount of refraction is determined by the index of refraction between the two different media. | |||
Revision as of 12:39, 6 June 2007
Frustrated total internal reflection, or FITR, is a phenomenon that occurs when electromagnetic waves reflected within an optical medium(with a lower index of refraction) are interrupted in their internal reflection by an object with a higher refractive index.
In a typical optical system, total internal reflection occurs when a light ray reflects completely inside higher-index medium and reflects onto a lower-index surface.
The optical properties of light can be generally identified through four categories:
- refraction
- reflection
- interference
- diffraction
Refraction occurs when a the speed of a light wave changes as it enters a slower medium. The amount of refraction is determined by the index of refraction between the two different media.