birefringence

[ bahy-ri-frin-juhns ]

noun

, Optics.

1. double refraction.

birefringence

/ ˌbaɪrɪˈfrɪndʒəns /

noun

1. another name for double refraction

birefringence

/ bī′rĭ-frĭn′jəns /

1. The property or capacity of splitting a beam of light into two beams, each refracted at a different angle, and each polarized at a right angle to the other. Certain crystals such as calcite and quartz have this property.
2. The difference in the index of refraction between two beams passing through a substance that has this property.
3. See also refraction

Derived Forms

• ˌbireˈfringent, adjective

Other Words From

• bire·fringent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of birefringence¹

First recorded in 1885–90; bi- ¹ + refringence

Example Sentences

This phenomenon violates the parity symmetry and is called the cosmic birefringence.

From Science Daily

Many crystals exhibit birefringence, in which their refractive index — a measure of the speed of light in a material — is different along different axes.

From Nature

The two-speed effect is known as birefringence and it is used in many optical devices.

From Science Magazine

Amyloid is defined pathologically by the demonstration of green birefringence on binding of the dye Congo red and biophysically by a cross-β fibre diffraction pattern. b, Models of recombinant PrP fibrils and ex vivo prions.

From Nature

Segev and his group's design uses layers of materials with different types of birefringence, along with specially designed mirrors, to make a practical model for how negative radiation pressure might be achieved.

From Scientific American