What Liquids Have a Refractive Index Close to Silicone for Flow Visualization?

[dtdtdt]

I have a transparent silicone model flow chamber which I would like to use for flow visualisation studies. Ideally I would like a fluid whose refractive index is the same as the silicone, hence minimising distortion of the field of view. The refractive index of the silicone model is approx 1.4. Do you know of any liquids which may be of use? Is it possible to change the refractive index of water without a large change in viscosity? I believe refractive distortion greatly depends on the density difference between materials. Is it possible to increase the refractive index by adding a secondary liquid which has low viscosity (i.e. Glycerine works but produces a liquid with a high viscosity)? i.e. I would ideally like a liquid with the viscosity of water and the refractive index of the silicone!

Any help or advice would be appreciated.
Regards

 

[Christina De Rose]

Yo

I don't exactly know what would work, but just remember that the refractive index of a substance is not proportional to its density. In some cases, a denser substance has a higher refractive index, but not always. For example, oil has a higher refractive index that water.

 

[KaneOris]

Hey Christina, Um as i was told by my teacher don't use the term denser, say optical denser, because if it is physically denser it does not necessarily make the refractive index higher, and i lost marks on exams for that mistake... just a little tip :)

 

[KaneOris]

And to dtdtdt
As liquids

Turpentine 1.472
Chlorine (liq) 1.385
Vodka 1.363