Unpolarized light is incident on the plane air-dielectric interface shown in the figure at the Brewster angle. Using the x, y and z directions indicated in the figure, which expression corresponds to the reflected electric field according to the given coordinate convention?

Question

G1 Physics · Accepted Answer

At the Brewster angle, the reflected light is completely plane polarized. From the geometry and coordinate convention shown in the source figure, the reflected wave has phase kx-kz-ωt. Also, the reflected electric-field vector has no z-component in the source representation. Therefore the expression selected by the source is (Eₓî+Eᵧĵ) sin(kx-kz-ωt). Correct option: A.