Model of Fresnel Refraction by Richard P. Baker, Baker #379

Description:

Richard P. Baker, a mathematician at the University of Iowa, made a series of models relating to the relative intensity of polarized light transmitted by an isotropic medium. In all of them, the ratio of the magnitude of two electromagnetic vectors is plotted extending vertically, as a function of the index of refraction of the medium and the angle of incidence of the light. In Baker’s scheme, the vectors Ds, Es, and Rs lie in the surface between the two media, while the vectors Dp, Ep, and Rp lie in the plane of polarization. The E vectors represent the electric force, the R vectors the reflected wave, and the D vectors the refracted wave. This particular model plots values of the ratio of intensities Dp / Ep, a function equal to (sin2θ sin2φ)1/2 / sin (θ + φ). Here θ is the angle of incidence of the light and φ is the angle of refraction.

The model has a wooden base and sides, with a plaster top. A typed paper tag attached to the base reads: No. 379 (/) 10 Fresnel surfaces.

Baker associated this model with “REFRACTION – Compromise.”

References:

Accession File.

R. P. Baker, Mathematical Models, Iowa City, Iowa, 1931, p. 18.

Paul Drude, with C. Riborg Mann and Robert A. Millikan, translators, Theory of Optics, New York: Longmans, Green and Co., 1902, esp. pp. 279-280.

Date Made: ca 1906-1935

Maker: Baker, Richard P.

Location: Currently not on view

Subject: Mathematics

Subject:

See more items in: Medicine and Science: Mathematics, Science & Mathematics

Exhibition:

Exhibition Location:

Credit Line: Gift of Frances E. Baker

Data Source: National Museum of American History

Id Number: MA.211257.060Accession Number: 211257Catalog Number: 211257.060

Object Name: geometric model

Physical Description: plaster (overall material)wood (overall material)white (overall color)black (overall color)plaster cast,bolted to base. (overall production method/technique)Measurements: average spatial: 7.3 cm x 15.2 cm x 15.2 cm; 2 7/8 in x 5 31/32 in x 5 31/32 in

Guid: http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a9-4d0a-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

Record Id: nmah_1083660

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