Quantitative investigation of Fresnel reflection in the electromagnetism laboratory

We have developed an experimental apparatus that makes it possible for stud ents to make detailed quantitative measurements of the Fresnel reflection c oefficients for the reflection of light from a plane interface. The experim ent is made possible by the linear polarization, and impressive power stabi lity, exhibited by visible and near-infrared diode-laser modules, and it ha s been a very effective addition to our sophomore electromagnetism laborato ries. (C) 1999 American Association of Physics Teachers.