SUMMARY
When light passes through a calcite crystal, it undergoes bi-refraction, splitting into two distinct rays: the ordinary ray and the extraordinary ray. The ordinary ray travels straight and is faster, while the extraordinary ray is refracted and travels slower due to the negative birefringence of calcite. This phenomenon is governed by Snell's law, and the extraordinary ray's velocity varies based on its angle relative to the optical axis. The wavefronts in this context are ellipsoidal rather than spherical, as illustrated in the provided PDF resource.
PREREQUISITES
- Understanding of Snell's law
- Familiarity with optical properties of materials
- Knowledge of birefringence and its implications
- Basic principles of wavefront construction
NEXT STEPS
- Study the principles of birefringence in detail
- Learn about the optical properties of calcite crystals
- Explore Huyghens' principle and its applications in optics
- Investigate the implications of negative birefringence in various materials
USEFUL FOR
Physicists, optical engineers, and students studying optics who seek to understand the behavior of light in birefringent materials like calcite crystals.