= Brewster reflection from an ionospheric interface
{c}
{title2=$D=2h\sqrt{1-\omega_p^2/\omega^2}$}
In the sharp planar, nonmagnetic <ionosphere> model with frequency above the <plasma frequency>, the <refractive index> is $n=\sqrt{1-\omega_p^2/\omega^2}<1$. From air, the <Brewster angle> satisfies $\tan\theta_B=n$. At that angle the reflected p-polarized wave vanishes, while s polarization retains a nonzero reflected component. A ground-to-ground single reflection from height $h$ spans $D=2h\tan\theta_B=2hn$. This is below the <critical angle for total internal reflection> for <total internal reflection>, which reflects both polarizations in this lossless isotropic model. The distinction diagnoses ordinary Brewster reflection rather than total internal reflection.
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