double refraction

American  

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.

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double refraction British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of double refraction

First recorded in 1870–75

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

double refraction

If it contains no metal, when viewed by polarized light it will give a double refraction effect in handsome colors.

From Time Magazine Archive

He further proved that substances under pressure and strain could produce double refraction in them, as did glass under the same conditions in light.

From Sir Jagadis Chunder Bose His Life and Speeches by Sir Jagadis Chandra Bose

And this double refraction of his mind by which a concentrated and individualised Britling did but present a larger impersonal Britling beneath, carried with it a duplication of his conscience and sense of responsibility.

From Mr. Britling Sees It Through by H. G. (Herbert George) Wells

Brewster's discoveries respecting double refraction and dipolarisation proved the essential truth of the classification of crystalline forms according to the number of axes, by showing that the molecular constitution depends upon the axes.

From Essays on Education and Kindred Subjects Everyman's Library by Herbert Spencer

Its strong double refraction and its relative softness, as well as its great density will serve to distinguish it.

From A Text-Book of Precious Stones for Jewelers and the Gem-Loving Public by Frank Bertram Wade

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