Glass refractive index vs wavelength, exceptions?

In summary, there are two manifestations of anomalous dispersion in glasses, which refer to the phenomenon where short wavelengths have a lower refractive index than longer ones. This can be controlled by doping the glass or by the overall material dispersion. Silica, for example, has a characteristic wavelength where the dispersion is zero, making it ideal for telecommunications networks.
  • #1
lalbatros
1,256
2
Normal glasses have a larger refractive index for blue than for red.
Are there special glasses that differ in this respect?
Or maybe are there some minerals that behave differently, still being transparent in the visible spectrum and colorless?

Thanks to tell me if you know something about that.
 
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  • #2
There are two manifestations of anomalous dispersion (short wavelengths having lower n) in glass. The first manifestation is due to absorption peaks in the glass. Near the short wavelength side of an absorption peak, dispersion will be anomalous. Glasses can be doped to control at what wavelength ranges anomalous dispersion will occur. The second manifestation is due to the overall material dispersion in the glass. Glasses possesses a characteristic wavelength where the dispersion in the glass is zero. Above this characteristic wavelength, normal dispersion (short wavelengths having high n) prevails, below this wavelength, anomalous dispersion is predominant. In silica for example, the zero-dispersion wavelength is 1.55 microns - which is why telecommunications networks primarily use this wavelength range for signal transmission in optic fibres.

Claude.
 
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  • #3
Thanks a lot Claude.
Very instructive answer.
 

1. What is the relationship between glass refractive index and wavelength?

The refractive index of glass is a measure of how much the speed of light changes when passing through the material. It is dependent on the wavelength of light, with shorter wavelengths experiencing a higher refractive index than longer wavelengths.

2. Are there any exceptions to the relationship between glass refractive index and wavelength?

Yes, there are exceptions to this relationship. Some types of glass, such as fused silica, have a relatively constant refractive index across a wide range of wavelengths. This is known as being "nearly dispersionless".

3. How does the refractive index of glass affect the appearance of objects viewed through it?

The refractive index of glass can cause objects viewed through it to appear distorted or magnified. This is due to the bending of light as it passes through the glass, which can change the apparent size and shape of an object.

4. Can the refractive index of glass be controlled?

Yes, the refractive index of glass can be controlled by altering the composition and structure of the glass. This is commonly done in the production of specialized glasses for use in lenses, prisms, and other optical devices.

5. How does the refractive index of glass vary with temperature?

The refractive index of glass can change with temperature, as the speed of light through the material is affected by temperature. In general, the refractive index decreases as temperature increases, but the specific relationship varies depending on the type of glass.

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