dispersive power

American  

noun

Optics.

1. a measure of the ability of a substance to disperse light, equal to the quotient of the difference in refractive indices of the substance for two representative wavelengths divided by the difference of the refractive index for an intermediate wavelength and 1.

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Example Sentences

The difference of the angles of deviation for two selected rays measures their dispersion, and if this angle is divided by the deviation of the mean ray, we obtain the dispersive power of the prism.

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

It did not spread out any more: a prism had no more dispersive power over it; it was deflected by the appropriate amount, but it was not analysed into constituents.

From Pioneers of Science by Lodge, Oliver, Sir

Upon applying a greater dispersive power he noticed that the line "D" was a double one; but so also was the sodium line under these conditions.

From New and Original Theories of the Great Physical Forces by Rogers, Henry Raymond

The spectrum will have a certain length, depending on the dispersive power of the glass.

From Half-hours with the Telescope Being a Popular Guide to the Use of the Telescope as a Means of Amusement and Instruction. by Proctor, Richard A. (Richard Anthony)

As it possesses high refractive and dispersive power, it presents when properly cut great brilliancy and “fire,” and the name has reference to its diamond-like appearance.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 10 "David, St" to "Demidov" by Various