Brewster's Angle Calculator

This calculator is designed for physics students and professionals in optics to determine Brewster's angle, where light is perfectly polarized upon reflection. It's a critical tool for understanding light behavior at interfaces.

Calculator Interface

Refractive Index of Medium 1 (n₁)

Refractive Index of Medium 2 (n₂)

Results

Brewster's Angle --

Data Source and Methodology

All calculations are based on the equation derived from Snell's Law and Fresnel equations. The methodology follows conventional optics principles.

The Formula Explained

\[ \theta_B = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{n_2}{n_1}\right) \]

Glossary of Variables

n₁: Refractive index of the first medium (e.g., air).
n₂: Refractive index of the second medium (e.g., glass).
Brewster's Angle (θ_B): The angle of incidence at which light with a particular polarization is perfectly transmitted through a surface with no reflection.

Example Calculation

How It Works: A Step-by-Step Example

Assume n₁ = 1.0 (air) and n₂ = 1.5 (glass). Using the formula, \(\theta_B = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{1.5}{1.0}\right)\), calculate θ_B ≈ 56.31°.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Brewster's Angle?

Brewster's Angle is the angle of incidence at which light is polarized upon reflection, with no reflection of the light with a particular polarization.

Why is Brewster's Angle important?

Understanding Brewster's Angle is crucial in designing anti-reflective coatings and in various optics applications where polarization is involved.

Can Brewster's Angle be greater than 90°?

No, Brewster's Angle cannot exceed 90° as it is physically defined to occur at the boundary between two media.

Does Brewster's Angle depend on wavelength?

Yes, the refractive index can vary with wavelength, affecting Brewster's Angle slightly.

How can I verify Brewster's Angle experimentally?

Experimentally, Brewster's Angle can be observed by adjusting the angle of light incidence until the reflected light is completely polarized.

Tool developed by Ugo Candido. Content verified by the Omni Calculator Expert Team.
Last reviewed for accuracy on: October 1, 2023.