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 optical medium(with a lower index of refraction) are interrupted in their internal reflection by an object with a higher refractive index.
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. 
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 12:56, 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.

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