Optical effects such as reflection and refraction are conventionally best described by Electromagnetic Wave theory, at least when they involve beams of light. However that theory does not explain why single photons should also show such behaviour. This paper shows that optical effects can also be explained from a cordus particuloid perspective. Several principles are proposed for the interaction of a cordus photon with an optical surface, and these are used to explain reflection and subsequently refraction. The formula for critical angle is derived from a particuloid basis. The cordus and wave theory perspectives are compared and contrasted. The significance of this work is that the cordus mechanics explains the reflection and refraction behaviour of both single photons as well as beams of light, so it is a more universal explanation.
Comments: 10 pages.
[v1] 6 Apr 2011
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