Polarization of environmental dielectric reflections (source code)

= Polarization of environmental dielectric reflections

At a transparent nonmagnetic <dielectric> interface, the Fresnel <reflection> coefficients differ for s and p <linear polarization>. At Brewster incidence the reflected p <amplitude> vanishes and reflected <unpolarized light> becomes s polarized. For a horizontal reflecting surface this is horizontal glare. Away from Brewster incidence it is generally partial polarization. Refraction and internal <reflection> in droplets also select the two components differently, explaining polarization of rainbow <light> without a biological mechanism.