total internal reflection

"Total internal reflection" is a key concept in optics and physics, used in applications like fiber optics and binoculars.

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Definition

C1Physics

(technical, academic)When light is entirely reflected back into a medium after hitting the boundary with a less dense medium at an angle greater than the critical angle.

Example

  • Total internal reflection is the principle behind the operation of fiber optic cables.
  • The phenomenon of total internal reflection occurs in diamonds, contributing to their sparkle.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "total internal reflection":

critical angle