How to measure refractive index of plastic

AI Thread Summary
To measure the refractive index of a plastic disk with non-uniform radius of refraction, several methods are suggested, including using a helium-neon laser and a photodetector. One approach involves measuring Brewster's angle with a narrow laser beam, although the angle's sensitivity to small index variations may be inadequate. Another method proposed is to construct an interferometer, leveraging the disk's thickness of about 1mm to measure changes in focal length as a function of radius. The discussion emphasizes the need for precise measurements and the potential challenges in achieving the desired accuracy. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexity of measuring local refractive index variations in plastic materials.
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I have a plastic disk 0.5" in diameter whose radius of refraction is supposedly non-uniform. It will vary by 0.015 at most from the center to the outside.

I need to come up with some method of measuring the refractive index locally. I have access to:
helium neon laser
a photodetector and software
optical table with moving mounts
CNC machine shop
lots of plastic/glass

Every way I try seems to not work very well. I'll need some ideas from someone experienced please.
 
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Does anyone know if this is too difficult to pull off?
 
Have you tried to measure Brewster's angle using very narrow laser beam pointing at small spot on your disc?
 
I'll try it.
But the angle doesn't seem to change significantly if the index varies by, say 0.002 which is the precision I desire.
 
If your disk has well defined thickness of about 1mm (with accuracy of the same order as you require), you may build an interferometer with disc in one arm.

Other idea:
If its thickness is about 1mm, such change in refr.index makes it a lens of focal length of about 1m. You may easily measure that.
Then use reflected light t0 check if both surfaces are really flat.
 
Can you tell me a little more about the second idea? I need to find refractive index n as a function of radius n(r). Do I measure the focal length of said "lens" or what? I'm not sure I'm understanding.
 
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