refractivity
How materials bend light
Refractivity is a measure of how much a substance bends light passing through it.
The term appears in physics and atmospheric science, where variations in air refractivity affect radar signals and radio wave propagation: The refractivity of the atmosphere changes with temperature and humidity.
Light-splitting optical element
- lensLight-focusing curved glass
- dispersionScattering across space
- angle of incidenceIncoming direction relative to perpendicular
- critical angleIncidence causing total internal reflection
focal point · convergence · divergence · ray tracing · wavefront · anisotropy
Atmospheric optical deception
- heat shimmerOptical distortion from warmth
- twinklingRapid, intermittent shining
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
- hazeMurky atmospheric suspension
Crystallized carbon gemstone
- glassTransparent solid from sand
- waterClear essential liquid
- crystalOrdered-atom solid
- quartzCrystalline silicon dioxide
sapphire · fluorite · optical fiber · acrylic · polycarbonate · calcite · zirconia · cladding
Measures electromagnetic radiation properties
- interferometerInstrument measuring wave interference
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- accuracyDegree of correctness
metrology · standards · resolution · quantitative · instrumentation · detection · validation · laboratory
prism
Light-splitting optical element
- lensLight-focusing curved glass
- dispersionScattering across space
- angle of incidenceIncoming direction relative to perpendicular
critical angle · focal point · convergence · divergence · ray tracing · wavefront · anisotropy
mirage
Atmospheric optical deception
- heat shimmerOptical distortion from warmth
- twinklingRapid, intermittent shining
- loomingAppearing threateningly close
haze · starlight · air mass · turbulence
diamond
Crystallized carbon gemstone
quartz · sapphire · fluorite · optical fiber · acrylic · polycarbonate · calcite · zirconia · cladding · core
spectrometer
Measures electromagnetic radiation properties
- interferometerInstrument measuring wave interference
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
accuracy · metrology · standards · resolution · quantitative · instrumentation · detection · validation · laboratory
refractivitytransparency
State of being see-through
opacity · absorptivity · transmissivity · absorption · reflectivity
refractory, refract, refraction, refracting, diffraction, refracted, refractive, diffract, refractions