Mathematically, how does a $\pi$ phase shift appear upon reflection of light off a optically denser medium?
Why is it always $\pi$?
If the medium is absorptive it is no longer $\pi$?
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Emilio Pisanty
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Possible duplicates: http://physics.stackexchange.com/q/32122/2451 and links therein. – Qmechanic Sep 23 '13 at 08:08
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I've attempted an intuitive explanation as an answer to the original question http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/32122/phase-shift-of-180-degrees-on-reflection-from-optically-denser-medium. How intuitive this is you'll have to judge for yourself! – John Rennie Sep 23 '13 at 10:57