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

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on finding a liquid with a refractive index close to that of a transparent silicone model flow chamber, which is approximately 1.4. Participants suggest several liquids, including turpentine (1.472), chlorine (1.385), and vodka (1.363), as potential candidates. The conversation highlights the misconception that density directly correlates with refractive index, emphasizing the importance of using the term "optical density." Additionally, the possibility of modifying water's refractive index without significantly increasing its viscosity is explored.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of refractive index and its significance in optical applications.
  • Familiarity with fluid properties, including viscosity and density.
  • Knowledge of common liquids and their refractive indices.
  • Basic principles of flow visualization techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the refractive indices of additional liquids for flow visualization.
  • Investigate methods to modify the refractive index of water without increasing viscosity significantly.
  • Explore the optical properties of glycerine and its mixtures with other liquids.
  • Learn about the implications of optical density in fluid dynamics and flow visualization.
USEFUL FOR

Researchers, optical engineers, and fluid dynamics specialists involved in flow visualization studies and those seeking to optimize the optical properties of fluids for experimental setups.

dtdtdt
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
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
 
Science news on Phys.org
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.
 
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 :)
 
And to dtdtdt
As liquids

Turpentine 1.472
Chlorine (liq) 1.385
Vodka 1.363
 

Similar threads

Why is the refractive index for red lower than for blue?
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
What is the refractive index of asphalt and its relation to polarization?
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
7K
Undergrad Why is Cherenkov radiation blue? And what about refractive index?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Low Cost, High Index of Refraction?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
How does one measure the index of refraction of a liquid, and .?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
What is the Index of Refraction of the Liquid in Thin Film Interference?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
What Condition Ensures Refracted and Incident Rays Have the Same Direction?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Graduate Investigating the dielectric constant of a pure polar liquid
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
Conservation of energy in refraction
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
6K
Dispersion and the dependences of refractive indexes
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K