Fresnel Reflection (Normal Incidence)

r = \frac{n_1 - n_2}{n_1 + n_2}, \quad R = r^2

For light at normal incidence, the Fresnel equations simplify to give the reflection coefficient. R gives the fraction of intensity reflected.

Variables

Amplitude reflection coefficient

unitless

Reflectance (intensity)

unitless

n_1

Refractive index of incident medium

unitless

n_2

Refractive index of transmitted medium

unitless

Derived from Maxwell's equations by applying boundary conditions at the interface between two media.

0/5000