anomalous dispersion

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a sudden change in the refractive index of a material for wavelengths in the vicinity of absorption bands in the spectrum of the material.

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Etymology

Origin of anomalous dispersion

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

A very remarkable example of anomalous dispersion, which was first observed by A. Kundt, is that exhibited by the vapour of sodium.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5 "Dinard" to "Dodsworth" by Various

This is exactly in accordance with the observed facts in the case of substances showing anomalous dispersion.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5 "Dinard" to "Dodsworth" by Various

Some bodies reflect light of one colour and transmit that of another; such bodies nearly always possess the properties of selective or metallic reflection and anomalous dispersion.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 6 "Cockaigne" to "Columbus, Christopher" by Various

The theory of anomalous dispersion has been applied in a very interesting way by W. H. Julius to explain the “flash spectrum” seen during a solar eclipse at the moment at which totality occurs.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 5 "Dinard" to "Dodsworth" by Various

This has been called anomalous dispersion, and similar effects have been observed in iodine and sodium vapours, and in solutions of colours derived from aniline which exhibit surface colour.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 1: Deposition to Eberswalde by Various