BIREFRINGENCE Meaning and
Definition
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Birefringence is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits different refractive indices for light of different polarizations. When a beam of unpolarized light enters a birefringent material, it splits into two beams with perpendicular polarizations, each experiencing a different refractive index. This results in a double image or a distortion of the original image when viewed through the material.
In birefringent materials, the refractive index varies based on the orientation of the electric field vector of the light wave as it passes through the material. This is caused by the anisotropic nature of the material's crystal structure or molecular alignment. Birefringence can occur in various materials such as crystals, liquid crystals, and certain plastics.
The amount of birefringence is quantified by the birefringence index, which represents the difference between the highest and lowest refractive indices in the material. It is commonly denoted by the symbol Δn. The birefringence index can determine the extent of the separation between the two polarized beams and, in turn, influences the appearance of the double image or distortion.
Birefringence plays a crucial role in various optical devices and technologies. It is utilized in polarizers, waveplates, liquid crystal displays (LCDs), optical filters, and microscopy techniques. Birefringence is also important in the field of geology, as it can be used to identify and study minerals based on their optical properties.
Common Misspellings for BIREFRINGENCE
- virefringence
- nirefringence
- hirefringence
- girefringence
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- bjrefringence
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- bieefringence
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- birwfringence
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- Birefringances
- birefrinjent
- Birefrengence
Etymology of BIREFRINGENCE
The word "birefringence" comes from combining two Latin roots: "bi-" meaning "two" and "refringens" meaning "breaking". The term was coined in the mid-19th century. "Birefringence" describes the property of certain materials to split a light wave into two separate waves, each with a different refractive index.
Similar spelling words for BIREFRINGENCE
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