T.I.

When a ray of light travelling from a denser medium to a less dense medium at an
angle of incidence greater than the critical angle, the ray is not refracted but is all
reflected into the denser medium.

Uses of T.I.R

1. Periscope

2. rear reflectors on vehicles e.g cars, bicycles

3. prism binoculars

4. ‘cats’ eyes’ reflectors on road (reflect back light from car headlights)

Diamond

Refractive index of diamond is 2.42 and critical angle of diamond is 24.4.

Light which entered a diamond can emerge only if the angle of incidence inside the
diamond is less than 24.4. Diamonds are cut with faces angled in such a way that
T.I.R occurs. Diamonds sparkle brilliantly (more than glass) due to multiple T.I.Rs
before emerging.