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Index of refraction

   Also found in: Dictionary/thesaurus, Acronyms, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.06 sec.
Index of refraction
A constant number for any material for any given color of light that is an indicator of the degree of the bending of the light caused by that material.
Mentioned in: Eye Glasses and Contact Lenses
index of refraction
The ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum or in air, c, to the speed of light in a given medium, v. Symbol: n. Hence,
n = c/v
The speed of light in a given medium depends upon its wavelength. Consequently, the index of refraction varies accordingly, being greater for short wavelengths (blue) than for longer wavelengths (red). The index of refraction forms the basis of Snell's law, which quantitatively determines the deviation of light rays traversing a surface separating two media of different refractive indices. Syn. refractive index. Plural: indices. See dispersion; law of refraction; gradient-index lens; high index lens; speed of light; refractometer.
Table I3 Refractive indices of some transparent media at selected wavelengths
spectral lineGFDCA
OriginCalciumHydrogenSodiumHydrogenOxygen
wavelength (nm)430.8486.1589.3656.3759.4
aqueous or vitreous humour1.34401.34041.33601.33411.3317
crystalline lens1.43071.42591.42001.41751.4144
spectacle crown1.53481.52931.52301.52041.5163
dense flint1.63971.62901.61701.61221.6062

Table I4 Index of refraction n of various media for sodium light (λ = 589.3)
air1.00
water (at 20ºC)1.333
spectacle crown glass1.523
flint glass (dense)1.62
flint glass (extra dense)1.65-1.70
titanium oxide glass1.701
calcite crystal
ordinary ray1.658
extraordinary ray1.486
quartz crystal
ordinary ray1.544
extraordinary ray1.553
diamond2.42
Canada balsam1.53-1.54
CR-391.498
polycarbonate1.586
silicone rubber1.44
CAB1.47
PMMA1.49
HEMA1.43
hydrogel polymer
20% water content1.46-1.48
75% water content1.37-1.38
eye
tears1.336
cornea1.376
aqueous humour1.336
crystalline lens (average effect)1.42
vitreous humour1.336


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? Mentioned in ? References in periodicals archive
 
Neutron interferometric observation of the virtual excitation and multiple scattering correction terms to the index of refraction
Precision measurements with slow neutrons: April 5-7, 2004 by Journal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology
By aiming a light beam into any substantial body of liquid ethane or methane, the SSP will attempt to record the index of refraction of the fluid, another indication of its density.
A titan of a mission: parachuting through smog to Saturn's moon by Cowen, Ron / Science News
Motter points out that as the difference in the index of refraction between the polymer layers increases, fewer layers are needed to attain the necessary level of reflectivity.
Novel decorative effects produced by multilayer sheet by Gabriele, Michael C. / Plastics Technology
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