An unpolarized light is incident on the plane interface of air-dielectric medium shown in figure. If the incident angle is equal to Brewster angle, identify the expression representing reflected wave. [figure]
- (Ex i+Ey j) (kx-kz- t)
- (Ex i+Ez k) (kx+ky- t)
- (Ex j+Ey k) (ky+kz- t)
- (Ex i+Ey j+Ez k) (kx+ky-kz- t)
Answer
(1) (Ex i+Ey j) (kx-kz- t)
Solution
[figure]
From the figure, the interface is the x–y plane and +z points into the medium; the incident rays lie in the x–z plane, so the plane of incidence is the x–z plane.
Reflected wave: it returns into air, so its wave vector has a +x component and a −z component ⇒ phase of the form (kx-kz- t).
(2) has no z-component (travels along the interface); (3) has +z (travels into the medium); (4) has a y-component, which is not in the plane of incidence.
At Brewster's angle the reflected light is plane-polarised with E perpendicular to the plane of incidence, i.e. along j (dots on the reflected ray); only (1) has the correct phase together with a j field component.
Answer: (1)