TIR (total internal reflection) in terms of quantum world

In summary, total internal reflection of light in terms of the quantum world is determined by the phase condition of secondary sources across the beam path. This phenomenon can be explained without resorting to quantum mechanics, as the direction of emission for individual atoms is random. However, the net effect of synchronized atoms can result in directionality and the evanescent wave allows some light to penetrate beyond the surface.
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Pritamstar
how total internal reflection of light takes place in terms of quantum world?
 
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Pritamstar said:
how total internal reflection of light takes place in terms of quantum world?
What are your thoughts on this? What is the context of your question? Is this for homework?
 
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its not homework, actually i was thinking when a light beam falls at the interface of a medium with angle more than critical it undergoes TIR But in quantum world the electrons present on the edge would absorb it then when they release it how do they know they have to release the photon in inward direction..
 
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Pritamstar said:
its not homework, actually i was thinking when a light beam falls at the interface of a medium with angle more than critical it undergoes TIR But in quantum world the electrons present on the edge would absorb it then when they release it how do they know they have to release the photon in inward direction..
The same as the other macroscopic EM phenomena such as reflection and refraction, you don't need to resort to quantum mechanics to explain them. The macroscopic effect of light propagation is determined by the phase condition of the various secondary sources across the beam path. In this case the atoms near the surface on which the light impinges.
Microscopically there shouldn't be any preferred direction to which the atoms emit photons. Individually, each atoms emit with the same probability in any direction. However, depending on how synchronized they were at the time of interaction with the incoming light (i.e. the incident angle), the net effect is that the emitted light has certain directionality. Also, the EM field beyond the surface in the case of TIR does not completely vanish, a certain amount can still penetrate up to some depth which is called the evanescent wave.
 
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Related to TIR (total internal reflection) in terms of quantum world

What is total internal reflection?

Total internal reflection is a phenomenon in which a ray of light or other electromagnetic radiation is completely reflected within a medium, without any portion of the ray passing through the surface. This occurs when the angle of incidence is greater than the critical angle, which depends on the refractive indices of the two media involved.

How does total internal reflection relate to the quantum world?

In the quantum world, total internal reflection can occur with particles such as electrons or photons. This phenomenon is based on the principle of wave-particle duality, which states that all particles exhibit both wave-like and particle-like behavior. This means that particles can also exhibit total internal reflection when their wave-like properties interact with boundaries or interfaces.

What is the significance of total internal reflection in quantum computing?

Total internal reflection plays a crucial role in the development of quantum computing, as it allows for the manipulation and control of quantum information. This is because total internal reflection can be used to guide and manipulate particles, such as photons, in a quantum system. It also enables the creation of quantum gates, which are essential building blocks for quantum computers.

Can total internal reflection be observed in everyday life?

Yes, total internal reflection can be observed in everyday life in various forms. One common example is the phenomenon of mirages, where light is reflected at an interface between hot and cold air, creating an illusion of water or objects in the distance. Other examples include the sparkle of diamonds, the shimmer of soap bubbles, and the rainbow colors seen on the surface of a CD.

How does the critical angle in total internal reflection change in the quantum world?

In the quantum world, the critical angle in total internal reflection is determined by the refractive indices of the particles involved rather than the physical properties of the medium. This means that the critical angle can vary for different types of particles and different quantum systems, making it a highly adaptable and versatile phenomenon in the quantum world.

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