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Photonics Dictionary

Abbe refractometer

An Abbe refractometer is a scientific instrument used to measure the refractive index of liquids and solids. Named after the German physicist Ernst Abbe, this device operates on the principle of light refraction. The refractive index is a fundamental physical property that indicates how much light is bent, or refracted, when it enters a material from another medium (usually air).



Prism assembly: Consists of two prisms, the measuring prism and the illuminating prism. The sample is placed between these prisms.

Light source: Typically an LED or another stable light source illuminates the sample through the prisms.

Optical system: Includes an eyepiece or digital display to view the refracted light.

Temperature control: Often equipped with a thermostat or water bath connections to maintain a constant temperature, as the refractive index is temperature-dependent.

Working Principle: A light beam passes through the sample placed between the prisms. The refracted light creates an interface or borderline between light and dark areas in the optical field. The refractive index is determined by aligning this interface with a scale or reading it digitally.

Applications: Quality control in industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals; determination of sugar content in solutions (Brix scale); and identification and purity assessment of substances in research and industrial settings.

By measuring how light is refracted by a sample, the Abbe refractometer provides valuable information about the material's composition and properties.
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