MOD.OPT. Geometric Optics

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Last updated 3:57 AM on 4/5/26
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7 Terms

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Fermat’s Principle

  • Principle of Least Time

  • Light traverses path of least time

  • Used to describe what happens at interfaces

  • Used to derive Laws of Reflection and Refraction

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Law of Reflection

Backwards scattering of light at an interface

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Reflection

Depends on roughness of surface (size/spacing of atoms in material) and wavelength of light

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Types of Reflections

  • Specular reflection

  • Diffused reflection

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Specular Reflection

  • Smooth, mirror like surface (roughness << lambda)

  • Reflected rays are parallel to one another with thetai = thetar

  • EX: Some glass surfaces, polished metal, undisturbed surfaces of liquids

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Diffused Reflection

  • Rough surface (roughness >> lambda)

  • Reflected light scatters in many different directions due to surface roughness with thetai = thetar (reflected rays are not parallel to each other)

  • EX: most reflections off surfaces in real world

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Apparent Depth

Object at depth, d, appears to be closer to surface than it actually is due to refraction