birefringence

[ bahy-ri-frin-juhns ]

noun

, Optics.

1. double refraction.

birefringence

/ ˌbaɪrɪˈfrɪndʒəns /

noun

1. another name for double refraction

birefringence

/ bī′rĭ-frĭn′jəns /

1. The property or capacity of splitting a beam of light into two beams, each refracted at a different angle, and each polarized at a right angle to the other. Certain crystals such as calcite and quartz have this property.
2. The difference in the index of refraction between two beams passing through a substance that has this property.
3. See also refraction

Derived Forms

• ˌbireˈfringent, adjective

Other Words From

• bire·fringent adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of birefringence¹

First recorded in 1885–90; bi- ¹ + refringence

Example Sentences

The difference between the two indices is a measure of the strength of the double refraction or birefringence.

From Project Gutenberg