The Index of Refraction

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The Index of Refraction
n may depend on wavelength ?
dispersion
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Dispersion in some materials
Note how n depends on wavelength.
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Refraction in a Prism
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Rainbow
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Light going from higher n to lower n
Here, n1 gt n2
4, 5 Total Internal Reflection
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Critical Angle
?C
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Fiber Optics

• An application of internal reflection
• Plastic or glass rods are used to pipe light
  from one place to another
• Applications include
• Medical examination of internal organs
• Telecommunications

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Fiber Optics