Model of Fresnel Refraction by Richard P. Baker, Baker #376

Model of Fresnel Refraction by Richard P. Baker, Baker #376

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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 Rs / Es, a function equal to tan (θ - φ) / tan (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 side reads: No. 376 (/) 10 Fresnel surfaces.
Baker associated this model with work of Fresnel.
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.
Location
Currently not on view
Object Name
geometric model
date made
ca 1906-1935
maker
Baker, Richard P.
Physical Description
plaster (overall material)
wood (overall material)
blue (overall color)
black (overall color)
white (overall color)
plaster cast, bolted to base. (overall production method/technique)
Measurements
average spatial: 5.7 cm x 15.1 cm x 15.1 cm; 2 1/4 in x 5 15/16 in x 5 15/16 in
ID Number
MA.211257.057
accession number
211257
catalog number
211257.057
Credit Line
Gift of Frances E. Baker
subject
Mathematics
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Mathematics
Science & Mathematics
Data Source
National Museum of American History
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