Can refractive index of a substance be increased?

In summary, the refractive index of a substance can be increased by changing its temperature or applying external pressure. However, it cannot be increased indefinitely as all substances have a maximum limit. Factors such as chemical composition, temperature, pressure, and wavelength of light can affect the refractive index. It can also be decreased by changing temperature, pressure, or adding impurities, as well as through the use of certain materials like anti-reflective coatings.
  • #1
aditya23456
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or is it possible to create a material with very high refractive index(order of 100's or more)
 
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  • #2
Yes, the index of refraction becomes very high near an absorption line. If the absorption line is very narrow, the index of refraction becomes very high. There are other possibilities as well, e.g. using nonlinear optics the refractive index at one frequency can be tuned by a laser operating at another frequency.
See also
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slow_light
 

FAQ: Can refractive index of a substance be increased?

Can the refractive index of a substance be increased by changing its temperature?

Yes, the refractive index of a substance can be increased by changing its temperature. When the temperature of a substance increases, its molecules vibrate more vigorously, causing a change in the density of the material. This change in density can alter the speed of light passing through the substance, thus changing its refractive index.

Is it possible to increase the refractive index of a substance without changing its temperature?

Yes, it is possible to increase the refractive index of a substance without changing its temperature. This can be achieved by applying an external force, such as pressure, to the substance. This causes the molecules to pack more closely together, resulting in a higher refractive index.

Can the refractive index of a substance be increased indefinitely?

No, the refractive index of a substance cannot be increased indefinitely. All substances have a maximum refractive index that they can achieve, which is determined by their molecular structure. Once this limit is reached, further changes in temperature or pressure will not affect the refractive index.

What factors affect the refractive index of a substance?

The refractive index of a substance can be affected by several factors, including its chemical composition, temperature, pressure, and the wavelength of light passing through it. The molecular structure and density of the substance also play a role in determining its refractive index.

Can the refractive index of a substance be decreased?

Yes, the refractive index of a substance can be decreased by changing its temperature or pressure. It can also be decreased by adding impurities to the substance, which alters its molecular structure and density. Additionally, the use of certain materials, such as anti-reflective coatings, can decrease the refractive index of a substance.

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