Fresnel's original interpretation of complex numbers in 19th century optics
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Fresnel's original interpretation of complex numbers in 19th century optics. / Avelar Sotomaior Karam, Ricardo.
In: American Journal of Physics, Vol. 86, No. 4, 01.04.2018, p. 245-249.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Fresnel's original interpretation of complex numbers in 19th century optics
AU - Avelar Sotomaior Karam, Ricardo
PY - 2018/4/1
Y1 - 2018/4/1
N2 - In 1823, Fresnel published an original (physical) interpretation of complex numbers in his investigations of refraction and reflection of polarized light. This is arguably the first time that complex numbers were given a physical interpretation, which led to a better understanding of elliptical and circular polarizations. This rather unknown episode of the history of physics is described in this work, and some of the pedagogical lessons that can be extracted from it are discussed.
AB - In 1823, Fresnel published an original (physical) interpretation of complex numbers in his investigations of refraction and reflection of polarized light. This is arguably the first time that complex numbers were given a physical interpretation, which led to a better understanding of elliptical and circular polarizations. This rather unknown episode of the history of physics is described in this work, and some of the pedagogical lessons that can be extracted from it are discussed.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85044288020&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1119/1.5011366
DO - 10.1119/1.5011366
M3 - Journal article
VL - 86
SP - 245
EP - 249
JO - American Journal of Physics
JF - American Journal of Physics
SN - 0002-9505
IS - 4
ER -
ID: 193587503