Fresnel polarisation of infra-red radiation by elemental bismuth

Abstract

We revisit the classical problem of electromagnetic wave refraction from a lossless dielectric to a lossy conductor, where both media are considered to be non-magnetic, linear, isotropic and homogeneous. We derive the Fresnel coefficients of the system and the Poynting vectors at the interface, in order to compute the reflectance and transmittance of the system. We use a particular parametrisation of the referred Fresnel coefficients so as to make a connection with the ones obtained for refraction by an interface between two lossless media. This analysis allows the discussion of an actual application, namely the Fresnel polarisation of infra-red radiation by elemental bismuth, based on the concept of pseudo Brewster’s angle.