Applied Electro-Optics

4 Reflection and Refraction

4.1 General Remarks

In this chapter, we will consider what happens to light as it passes from one homogeneous optical medium to another. This will provide insight into how the materials used to construct optoelectronic components modify the properties of optical radiation. In this chapter, we will be concerned with three ways in which light interacts with matter on a macroscopic scale. Specific examples are given below.

1. Light can be reflected from a mirror.

2. Light can be transmitted through matter such as glass.

3. Light can be absorbed by matter such as sand.

Light never gets reflected 100% from a surface. When reflection of light occurs from a mirror, most is reflected and a small amount is absorbed. The specific ...