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Refractive Index

Reference data and engineering information about refractive index for miscellaneous applications.

refractiveindex

Overview

Engineering reference data for Refractive Index in miscellaneous.

Key Formulas

Unit Conversion

y=xky = x \cdot k

Multiply by conversion factor.

Linear Interpolation

y=y1+(xx1)(y2y1)x2x1y = y_1 + \frac{(x - x_1)(y_2 - y_1)}{x_2 - x_1}

Estimate between two known points.

Percentage

p=partwhole×100%p = \frac{\text{part}}{\text{whole}} \times 100\%

Part as fraction of whole.

Variables

SymbolDescriptionUnit
xxInput value
yyOutput value
kkConversion factor

Refractive Index Data

31 rows
Refractive indices for common gases at standard conditions
Gas
Refractive Index (n)
Acetone1.00109
Air (-15 °C)1.00030942
Air (0 °C)1.00029238
Air (15 °C)1.00027712
Air (30 °C)1.00026337
Air (60 °C)1.00023958
Alcohol, ethyl1.000878
Alcohol, methyl1.000586
Ammonia1.000376
Argon1.000281
Benzene1.001762
Bromine1.001132
Carbon dioxide1.000449
Carbon disulphide1.001481
Carbon monoxide1.000338
Chlorine1.000773
Chloroform1.00145
Ether, ethyl1.001533
Ether, methyl1.000891
Helium1.000035
Hydrochloric acid1.000447
Hydrogen1.000132
Methane1.000444
Nitric oxide1.000297
Nitrogen1.000298
Nitrous oxide1.000516
Oxygen1.000271
Pentane1.000686
Sulphur dioxide1.000686
Vacuum1
Water vapor1.000261

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

45 rows
Refractive indices for common liquids and fluids
Fluid
Refractive Index (n)
Acetic Acid1.37
Acetone1.36
Alcohol, ethyl (ethanol)1.36
Alcohol, methyl (methanol)1.33
Alcohol, propyl1.38
Aniline1.586
Benzene1.501
Benzyl benzoate1.568
Carbon disulfide1.63
Carbon tetrachloride1.46
Chlorobenzene1.525
Chloroform1.44
Decane1.41
Dodecane1.41
Ether1.35
Ethylene glycol1.43
Ethyl salicylate1.523
Ethyl cinnamate1.559
R-11 Refrigerant1.37
R-12 Refrigerant1.29
R-22 Refrigerant1.26
Furan1.47
Glyserine (Glycerol)1.47
Heptane1.38
Hexane1.37
Hydrogen liquid1.0974
Methyl salicylate1.538
Methylene iodine1.737
Milk1.35
Octane1.4
Oil, cedar1.516
Oil, vegetable 50 °C1.47
Oil, olive1.46
Oil, turpentine1.47
Paraldehyde1.405
Parafin, liquid1.48
Propane1.34
Propylene1.36
Propylene glycol1.43
Quinoline1.627
Toluene1.497
Turpentine (wood)1.47
Water 0 °C1.33346
Water 20 °C1.33283
Water 100 °C1.31766

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

10 rows
Refractive indices for common solids
Solid
Refractive Index (n)
Crown glass1.5 - 1.62
Diamond2.417
Flint glass1.57 - 1.75
Headlamp lenses glass1.52
Ice1.31
Plexiglas1.49
Quartz glass1.46
Salt1.52
Standard glass for optics (BK 7)1.51673
Window glass1.52

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

11 rows
Refractive indices for common polymers
Polymer
Refractive Index (n)
Acrylic1.48 - 1.50
Celulose Acetat1.46 - 1.50
Epoxy resin1.6
HDPE1.5
Polycarbonate1.59
PTFE1.35
Polyester1.50 - 1.58
Polymethylmethacrylate1.49
Polystyrene1.59
Polyvinylchloride1.54
Vinylidene chloride1.6 - 1.63

Source: engineeringtoolbox.com

References