Oe-1 Light Pipe
Published: Wednesday 15 March 2006 - Updated: Thursday 19 April 2007
Aim
To demonstrate total internal reflection.
Apparatus
- Laser
- Light pipe
- Light source
Diagrams
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Description
This demonstration consists of a curlicue shaped methyl methacrylate (Lucite) rod. This rod is used to demonstrate critical angle as well as total internal reflection. A light from a laser or a flashlight enters the rod at one end and strikes its walls at an angle greater than the critical angle of Lucite, and so it does not escape through it but is reflected between the walls of the rod until it reaches the other end. The effects are more striking as well as more visible to a large audience if a coloured light beam is used.