Communications
Revolution 		Communications
Networks 		Optical
Fibres 		Photonic
Devices 		Future of
Communications 		Credits

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Refraction: from a more dense to a less dense material
theta i greater theta i max 



refraction more dense to a less dense








The light is totally reflected within the more dense material.






This is known as 
Total Internal Reflection.


NB: this is very important for the operation 
of optical fibres.








Total Internal Reflection happens for:
	
  • beams passing from a more 
	dense to a less dense material
    • 
	
  • incident angle > 
	the critical angle 
    • 

    

The critical angle is the one for which the 
angle of refraction is maximum and 
equal to 90°.

    

    
Refraction and Total Internal Reflection 
(Java Applet)


    

    

    

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