What is the index of refraction of n-BK7?

Index of Refraction of n-BK7

n-BK7 is a popular borosilicate crown glass material used extensively in the optical industry. It is well-known for its high optical clarity and stability, making it an ideal choice for manufacturing a wide range of optical components, including lenses, prisms, and windows.

What is the Index of Refraction?

The index of refraction, often denoted as n, is a dimensionless number that describes how light propagates through a particular medium. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the material. The index of refraction determines how much light is bent, or refracted, when entering a material.

Index of Refraction of n-BK7

The index of refraction of n-BK7 varies with the wavelength of light due to dispersion. At the standard reference wavelength of 589.3 nm (the sodium D-line), the index of refraction of n-BK7 is approximately 1.5168.

Why is the Index of Refraction Important?

The index of refraction is crucial in optical engineering and design. It affects the focusing power of lenses, the angle of refraction through optical components, and the critical angle for total internal reflection. Understanding the index of refraction of materials like n-BK7 allows optical engineers to design and optimize optical systems for various applications.

Additional Properties of n-BK7

• High optical clarity and low absorption in the visible spectrum.
• Good chemical resistance.
• Stable physical and chemical properties over time.
• Widely available and cost-effective for many optical applications.

In summary, n-BK7 is a foundational material in the field of optical engineering, with its index of refraction playing a key role in its widespread use in optical components. Understanding its optical properties, including its index of refraction, is essential for the design and implementation of effective optical systems.