Brewster's Angle Calculator
Calculate Brewster's angle for polarization by reflection
About this calculator
Brewster's Angle Calculator determines the specific angle of incidence at which light becomes completely polarized when reflected from a surface. This critical angle, named after physicist David Brewster, occurs when reflected and refracted rays are perpendicular to each other. The calculator is essential for optical engineers, photographers using polarizing filters, and researchers studying light polarization phenomena in materials science and photonics applications.
How to use
Enter the refractive indices of both materials - the medium from which light is incident and the medium it encounters. The calculator uses Brewster's law (tan θB = n2/n1) to determine the polarizing angle. Results show the angle in both degrees and radians for practical application in optical setups.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brewster's angle used for?
Brewster's angle is used in polarizing filters, laser windows, and optical instruments to achieve complete polarization of reflected light without absorption losses.
Why does complete polarization occur at this angle?
At Brewster's angle, reflected and refracted light rays are perpendicular, causing the reflected beam to contain only light polarized parallel to the interface.
What materials can I calculate Brewster's angle for?
Any transparent materials with known refractive indices, including glass-air, water-air, or crystal interfaces commonly used in optical applications.