Influence of multiple reflections on the transmission coefficients of uniaxial plane–parallel plates

A study on the influence of multiple reflections on the transmission coefficients of uniaxial plane–parallel plates is presented. Two representative models are analyzed: one that considers only the first transmission, and a rigorous one, taking into account the multiple reflections within the plate. Modules, phases, and the interference between p and s transmitted fields are evaluated in a wide range of angles of incidence by means of three emblematic examples that illustrate the effects of thickness, birefringence, and optical axis orientation. For simplicity, whereas the optical axis can form an arbitrary angle with the interface, it is restricted to the plane of incidence. A complete theoretical framework is provided along with general reference guidelines derived from numerical examples.