Bending light with temperature gradients

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on an apparatus consisting of two concentric hollow cylinders, where the inner cylinder is cooled below -50°C and the outer cylinder is at room temperature, creating a temperature gradient. This gradient leads to an increase in the index of refraction as the distance from the inner cylinder increases. A question is posed regarding the potential for a laser beam, directed at a transparent area on the outer cylinder, to be refracted in such a way that it orbits the inner cylinder. The consensus indicates that while refraction may occur, the attenuation of the beam would likely render it ineffective for sustained orbiting.

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  • Understanding of optical physics, specifically refraction principles.
  • Familiarity with temperature gradients and their effects on materials.
  • Knowledge of laser properties and behavior in different mediums.
  • Basic concepts of index of refraction and its dependence on temperature.
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Samson4
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A quick question about this type of apparatus. The apparatus itself is composed of 2 concentric hollow cylinders. The cylinder at center is cooled below -50C. The atmosphere around the outer cylinder is at room temperature. This creates a temperature gradient in the space between the cylinders. The index of refraction increases as distance from the center cylinder decreases.

Question: If a laser is pointed into a perfectly transparent spot on the outer cylinder, could the laser beam be refracted to orbit the inner cylinder given the space is large enough for such a small change in refractive index
bending light with air.png
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I suspect that by the time you have refracted the beam enough to get a circle, you've attenuated the beam into irrelevance.
 
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