double refraction

noun

, Optics.

the separation of a ray of light into two unequally refracted, plane-polarized rays of orthogonal polarizations, occurring in crystals in which the velocity of light rays is not the same in all directions.

double refraction

the splitting of a ray of unpolarized light into two unequally refracted rays polarized in mutually perpendicular planes Also calledbirefringence

First recorded in 1870–75

So would be explained refraction, dispersion, double refraction and absorption.

He discovered double refraction in Iceland spar (Experimenta crystalli islandici disdiaclastici, Copenhagen, 1669).

He deduced from it the laws of reflection and refraction, and applied it to explain the double refraction of Iceland spar.

Double refraction is displayed in a particularly impressive manner by Iceland spar, which is crystallized carbonate of lime.

By means of Iceland spar cut in the proper direction, double refraction is capable of easy illustration.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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