Conditions of Total Internal Reflection (TIR)

Although the concepts of “Total Internal Reflection or (TIR)” are quite intricate in nature, their application can be evidenced in our daily life from the occurrence of a variety of phenomena. Moreover, it can be seen that “Total Internal Reflection or (TIR)” majorly creates an optical illusion through our daily experiences. In daily life, we quite acknowledge the usage of TIR, respectively in the fields of systems of telecommunications. Certain devices are also available within the market arena that relates to optical fingerprinting and is based on the application of TIR.

Understanding Total Internal Reflection (TIR) in Physics

“Total Internal Reflection or (TIR)” is quite an interesting approach in the field of optics that effectively determines the illusions that are caused by the mentioned phenomenon. In simpler words, the term “Total Internal Reflection or (TIR)” can be explained as when the ray of light travels from one medium to another, the second medium has to be glass or water, does not get absorbed or refracted but gets totally reflected in the first medium. This condition is referred to as the “Total Internal Reflection or (TIR)”. However, it should also be noted that the incidence angle needs to be greater than the limiting angle known as critical angle. In addition to these, this fact also needs to be noted that there lies a striking difference between just reflection and TIR. Reflection can be defined as when the light ray gets reflected within the boundary between two different optical media. On the other hand, TIR occurs due to some significant conditions. 

What is Total Internal Reflection (TIR) 

“Total Internal Reflection or (TIR)” occurs when there lie two boundaries of transparent mediums. In the condition of TIR, complete reflection occurs, as a light ray travels from a medium of higher refractive index to a medium of lower refractive index in comparison to the previous medium, forming an angle of incidence which is greater than the critical angle. The main reason lies behind is that of differences in the wavelengths and as well as interdependence of the indices of refractions. The medium should be water or glass so that the ray of light can get reflected in the medium from which it arrived. It needs to be noted that the critical angle formed between the surface of water and air is 48.5 degrees. In addition to these, one should also note the differences in colour. 

Conditions for Total Internal Reflection (TIR) 

In determining the conditions for the occurrences of “Total Internal Reflection (TIR)”, it needs to be noted that only in these conditions one can easily experience the phenomenon of TIR. The first condition that needs to be met is that the ray of light needs to travel from a denser medium to a less dense medium then only the phenomenon of TIR can happen. The second condition is that the angle formed by the incidence ray needs to be greater than the critical angle formed. The reason that TIR will not occur if the ray of light travels from a less dense medium to a more dense medium is that the angle of refraction will not reach 90 degrees before the incidence reaches 90 degrees. “Total Internal Reflection (TIR)” only occurs with the angles of incidences being larger.

What is light piping? 

The light pipe is an interesting device, basically, an optical fibre that is used in transmitting light on a lengthwise basis. This device is majorly used in order to increase the uniformity of the source. It is also used to source light directly and is also used for different applications mostly in electrical instruments. In addition to these, they are also used in automobiles in order to illuminate the indicators. It can also be seen that the backlights make use of pipe lights to make even distribution of lights. 

What is fibre optics?

Fibre optics are quite interesting in their mechanisms in the field of physics as they demonstrate the phenomenon of “Total Internal Reflection (TIR)”. The fibre optics make use of the technology that makes use of light in effectively transmitting information through pulses as signals, with the fibre strands that are made of plastic or glass over a long distance. They are successively used in the notions of high performance in the aspect of data networking. 

Applications of Total Internal Reflection (TIR) 

Several applications are noticed that implement the mechanisms of “Total Internal Reflection (TIR)” in our day to day lives. Fibre optic is one of the devices that make use of TIR and is basically used in the telephones, internet and as well as television catering to the services associated with telecommunications. Sparkling of diamonds occurs due to the TIR phenomenon of lights. Light pies use TIR mechanisms and are used in light funnels, homogenizing rods.

Conclusion 

Concluding the study it should be noticed that the notions associated with the “Total Internal Reflection (TIR)” is interesting as well as determined to explain a lot of occurrences that happens around mankind. One such example is that of a mirage that often occurs in the desert and at most times distracts the traveller. The main reason behind this is due to the occurrence of atmospheric refraction that creates the phenomenon of “Total Internal Reflection or (TIR)”.