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Fresnel Equations Calculator

· Last updated:2026-08-29

r_s, r_p, R_s, R_p, T = 1−R, and the Brewster angle for any dielectric interface, with the 4% normal-incidence anchor.

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Tool usage guide

Learn when to use this tool, what it supports, and how real users apply it.

Key facts

Category
Science & Education
Input types
number
Output type
text
Sample coverage
4
API ready
Yes

Overview

The Fresnel Equations Calculator computes reflection and transmission coefficients at the planar interface between two dielectric media. It provides exact values for amplitude coefficients (r_s, r_p), power reflectance (R_s, R_p), transmittance (T_s, T_p), Snell's refracted angle, and the Brewster angle based on incident and transmitting refractive indices.

When to use

  • Evaluating surface reflection losses and transmission through uncoated optical windows, prisms, or lenses.
  • Analyzing polarization-dependent reflectance differences between s-polarized and p-polarized light at non-normal incidence.
  • Determining the Brewster angle for laser cavity windows or polarizing beam splitters to minimize reflection losses.

How it works

  1. 1Enter the refractive index of the incident medium (n₁) and the transmitting medium (n₂).
  2. 2Specify the angle of incidence (θ₁) in degrees measured from the surface normal.
  3. 3The tool computes the refracted angle (θ₂) via Snell's law, solves the Fresnel equations for s and p polarizations, and determines the Brewster angle.

Use cases

  • Optical system engineering: Quantifying transmission throughput and ghost-reflection power across multiple optical interfaces.
  • Laser and polarization optics: Aligning Brewster windows to eliminate insertion loss for linearly polarized laser beams.
  • Physics education: Demonstrating electromagnetic wave boundary conditions, polarization extinction, and Snell's law behavior.

Examples

1. Air to Glass at 30° Incidence

Optical Engineer

Background

Designing an unpolarized light path striking a standard glass substrate (n = 1.5) from air (n = 1.0) at an oblique angle.

Problem

Calculate the separate reflectance values for s and p polarization states and find the Brewster angle.

How to use

Set n₁ to 1.0, n₂ to 1.5, and angleDeg to 30.

n₁ = 1.0, n₂ = 1.5, θ₁ = 30°

Outcome

Yields a refracted angle of 19.47°, R_s of 5.78%, R_p of 2.52%, and a Brewster angle of 56.31°.

2. Perpendicular Incidence Loss on Glass

Lab Technician

Background

Verifying baseline transmission losses for a beam entering perpendicular to an uncoated optic.

Problem

Determine single-surface reflection loss at normal incidence.

How to use

Set n₁ to 1.0, n₂ to 1.5, and angleDeg to 0.

n₁ = 1.0, n₂ = 1.5, θ₁ = 0°

FAQ

What do the Fresnel equations calculate?

They calculate the amplitude and power ratios of reflected and transmitted electromagnetic waves across a boundary between two dielectric materials.

What is the distinction between s-polarization and p-polarization?

s-polarization has the electric field vector perpendicular to the plane of incidence, whereas p-polarization has the electric field vector parallel to the plane of incidence.

What occurs at the Brewster angle?

At the Brewster angle θ_B = arctan(n₂/n₁), the reflectance for p-polarized light (R_p) becomes zero, resulting in 100% transmission of the p-polarized component.

What is the normal incidence reflection formula?

At 0° incidence, both polarizations share the same reflectance formula: R = ((n₁ - n₂) / (n₁ + n₂))², which equals 4% at an air-to-glass (1.0 to 1.5) boundary.

How is transmittance derived?

For non-absorbing lossless dielectric interfaces, conservation of energy applies such that transmittance is computed directly as T = 1 - R for each polarization state.

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Outcome

Yields R_s = R_p = 4.00% and T_s = T_p = 96.00% at θ₂ = 0°.