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A calculator that uses Snell's law to calculate the angle of refraction and the critical angle for total internal reflection is presented.
n1 sin α = n2 sin β
β = sin-1(n1 sin α / n2) In many applications, we need total internal reflection of light within medium (1). Optical fibers are examples of systems where total internal reflection of light is used to carry light between distant points. The angle of incidence αc corresponding to β = 90 ° is called the critical angle and is given by Snell's law as follows n1 sin αc = n2 sin 90° sin αc = n2 / n1 αc = sin-1(n2 / n1) If light rays are incident on a surface separating two media of indices n1 > n2, total internal reflection occurs if the angle of incidence α is greter than the critical angle αc. This calculator computes the angle of refraction β using Snell's law and the critical angle αc given above. NOTE that the critical angle αc exixts only if n1 > n2 and also angle β can be calculated if n1 sin α / n2 ≤ 1
Refraction and Critical Angles CalculatorEnter the indices n1 and n2 and the angle of incidence α in degrees then press "Calculate Angles".More References and LinksTotal Internal Reflection of Light Rays at an Interface, Examples and Solutions.Refraction of Light Rays, Examples and Solutions Optical Fibers |