Oblique Fresnel reflection and transmission
At an interface between lossless isotropic nonmagnetic dielectrics, normal energy-flux ratios are R_s=[(n₁cosθ_i−n₂cosθ_t)/(n₁cosθ_i+n₂cosθ_t)]² and R_p=[(n₂cosθ_i−n₁cosθ_t)/(n₂cosθ_i+n₁cosθ_t)]², with T_s,p=1−R_s,p.
Key knowledge
At an interface between lossless isotropic nonmagnetic dielectrics, normal energy-flux ratios are R_s=[(n₁cosθ_i−n₂cosθ_t)/(n₁cosθ_i+n₂cosθ_t)]² and R_p=[(n₂cosθ_i−n₁cosθ_t)/(n₂cosθ_i+n₁cosθ_t)]², with T_s,p=1−R_s,p. The transmitted angle obeys Snell's law; p reflection vanishes at tanθ_B=n₂/n₁ for distinct indices.
Values and equations
R_s=[(n₁cosθ_i−n₂cosθ_t)/(n₁cosθ_i+n₂cosθ_t)]²; R_p=[(n₂cosθ_i−n₁cosθ_t)/(n₂cosθ_i+n₁cosθ_t)]²; T_s,p=1−R_s,p
- R_s,R_p,T_s,T_p
- Reflected/transmitted normal power fractions
- n₁,n₂
- Incident/transmitted-medium refractive indices
- θ_i,θ_t,θ_B
- Incident, transmitted and Brewster angles rad
Conditions and scope
- Positive real refractive indices, common frequency, planar interface, μ₁=μ₂=μ₀, no surface sheets, and a propagating transmitted wave with real θ_t.
- s electric field is perpendicular to the incidence plane; p lies in that plane. Power transmission includes the normal Poynting-flux impedance/angle factor, not merely a squared electric amplitude. Total internal reflection and absorption need their respective complex-angle/flux treatment.
Sources · 1
References
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Evidence and review
Classical Electromagnetism (2014): Fresnel relations: Equations 978–981 and 1002–1007: normal energy-flux ratios, both polarizations and Brewster condition; α,β replaced by indices/angles. Source uses magnetic amplitude for one polarization; this record states power ratios to avoid reflected electric-basis sign ambiguity.
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