Frustrated total internal reflection (FTIR) has been studied since the time of Newton and Fresnel. We review its history and applications in modern optics. A simple theoretical description of the phenomenon is presented using Maxwell’s equations. The analogy (often made in textbooks) between FTIR and quantum mechanical tunneling in one dimension is discussed. A simple experimental apparatus, suitable for a laboratory demonstration, is described and a quantitative comparison of the theory with experiment is made at optical wavelengths. A He–Ne laser, power meter, and a simply constructed double-prism arrangement are used for the demonstration.

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