All Questions
Tagged with refraction optical-materials
6
questions
19
votes
1
answer
2k
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How can the refractive index be below 1 in a dielectric?
Upon checking the optical properties of different dielectrics, I found the interesting case of $Al_2O_3$. It seems to be reported with a refractive index below 1 in the infrared range of $10 - 12~\mu ...
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4
votes
1
answer
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Why does optical media have different refractive indices?
Optical density is a measure of the refracting power of a medium. In other words, the higher the optical density, the more the light will be refracted or slowed down as it moves through the medium. ...
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36
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4
answers
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Why are the edges of a broken glass almost opaque?
Unfortunately I broke my specs today which I used in this question.
But I observed that the edges are completely different then the entire part of the lens. The middle portion of the lens was ...
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4
votes
3
answers
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Does temperature affect the index of refraction?
I would like to know the physical reasoning behind the fact that temperature indeed does change the index of refraction of a certain medium.
(Is there an easy experiment for me to try this at home?)
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4
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2
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Are there any real-world examples of refraction of light by magnetic permeability?
The question Fresnel Transmission Coefficient for Magnetic Field is interesting.
Thinking about it led me to reflect upon what little I know of the history of optics, with refraction by lenses and ...
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1
vote
0
answers
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Change of refractive index using semiconductor
I was wondering, if it is possible to change the refractive index of a semiconductor using an electric field or current? I have heard about injecting charges to tune the refractive index. How/Why does ...
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