Is it possible to find refractive index from diffraction?

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Finding the refractive index of nylon fishing line through diffraction is feasible, but requires understanding the diffraction patterns produced. The user successfully observed diffraction when using a laser on the fishing line but is unsure how to calculate the refractive index from the observed patterns. To proceed, comparing the diffraction patterns from the nylon with those from a steel wire of similar thickness or a slit of equivalent width can provide valuable insights. This comparative analysis can help in deriving the refractive index based on the observed diffraction characteristics. Accurate calculations will depend on the specific diffraction patterns obtained during the experiment.
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Homework Statement


I am trying to find the refractive index nylon (fishing line) , however when I used a laser onto the fishing line (nylon) it looked like it diffracted.

Homework Equations


I am able to find the diffraction if that was what it was showing, however I don't know how to calculate after that.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/k083dkj18xcdgro/CIMG3662.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nq0d2iwd2kjem74/CIMG3664.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/ew0ys9dfqa1f4ol/CIMG3665.JPG?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/vs4nieam2yxy1t7/CIMG3666.JPG?dl=0
 
Last edited:
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Nice shots ! Hello JPL, :welcome:

As an experimentalist, I would compare the patterns you obtained with
  1. the pattern you get from a steel wire (or otherwise opaque wire) with same thickness
  2. the pattern you get with a slit as wide as the wire is thick
 

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