Total Reflection of Optical Waves in Media with Induced Inhomogeneity

The review of research works on total internal reflection from the boundary of two media and smooth layered inhomogeneity is presented. Bases of the theory of total reflection are given: the equation of trajectories in the layered media is derived, the critical angle of total reflection is found. The mechanism of reflection from the inhomogeneity created by a laser beam in nonlinear media is considered. The results of numerical simulation nicely agree with the data of the laser experiment when one laser beam is reflected from other laser beam in a cuvette filled with the colored alcohol.