double refraction

noun

Optics.

1. the separation of a ray of light into two unequally refracted, plane-polarized rays of orthogonal polarizations, occurring in crystals in which the velocity of light rays is not the same in all directions.

double refraction

noun

1. Also called: birefringence. the splitting of a ray of unpolarized light into two unequally refracted rays polarized in mutually perpendicular planes

Word History and Origins

Origin of double refraction¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The largest may become crystalline, changing suddenly into polyhedral bodies with evident double refraction and the optical properties belonging to crystals.

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A more important discovery was that of double refraction temporarily produced in viscous liquids.

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The existence of internal strains in glass can be readily recognized by examination in polarized light, any signs of double refraction indicating the existence of strain.

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History of the Inductive Sciences," observes that, "by the accidental placing of a rhomb of calcareous spar, upon a book or line, Bartholinus discovered the property of the double refraction of light.

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It is translucent, or transparent, and often exhibits the property of double refraction.

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