Refractive Index Liquids

What are Refractive Index Liquids?

Refractive index liquids are specially formulated liquids that have a very specific refractive index. A small drop of the refractive index liquid is used to identify particles such as minerals, ores, chemicals, sample fragments, gems, and plastics using microscopic immersion techniques.

Where are Refractive Index Liquids Used?

Years ago refractive index liquids were used primarily in the mineralogical industry where the refractive index liquids were used to identify different minerals. Today refractive index liquids are required tools in many laboratories including the disciplines of engineering, forensics, medicine, asbestos particle identification, gemology, biology, cancer research, instrumentation, quality control, and optical analysis.

What are Examples of Refractive Index Liquid Applications?

Pollution Identification - Identify particles and particulates from air or water using refractive index liquids.

Microfluidics - Examine fluid flow patterns by filling test systems with refractive index liquids having suspended beads.

Spectrophotometry - Determine the refractive index of specimens by referral to calibration curves relating wave length to index of refraction.

Strain Analysis - Using polariscopic immersion techniques, examine stress and strain effects of transparent and translucent items; molded, formed, curved, or intrinsically shaped parts.

Asbestos Particle Identification - Refractive index liquids from series B and series E are commonly used in identification of asbestos. An Asbestos High Dispersion Liquid Set is available that includes the six most commonly used refractive index liquids.

Optical Analysis - Solids are studied microscopically with dispersion staining, focal masking, and double variation refractometry techniques with high dispersion liquids.

Gem Identification - Refractive index liquid 1.81 is critical in gem identification.

Refractometry - Calibrate refractometers and other special instruments.

Mineral and Ore Identification - Identify minerals and ores using microscopic immersion techniques using refractive index liquids.

Toxemia - Refractive index liquids are used to identify salts precipitated from body fluids to measure relative amounts of sodium and potassium chloride for indicating toxemia.

Fiber Optics - Refractive index liquids are used for fiber optic connections and mode stripping.

Chemical and Plastics Identification - Using microscopic immersion techniques, refractive index liquids are used to identify chemicals and plastics.

Optical Coupling - Optical elements can be coupled with refractive index liquids formulated for refractive index and viscosity.

Education - Refractive index liquids can be used to instruct and exhibit principles and applications of refraction.

Optical Lenses - Obtain unique optical properties of hollow lenses by filling with refractive index liquids.

Identification of Specimen Fragments, Translucent or Transparent Solids - Use of a microscope with refractive index liquids can help in identifying specimen fragments, or translucent or transparent solids.

Refractive Indices Available in Refractive Index Liquids

Standard Refractive Index Liquids Series AAA through M and High Dispersion Series E are read at 3 wavelengths in order to calculate dispersion, and the liquids are blended so that the dispersion always falls into a consistent range. These liquids are quality-controlled for dispersion and index.

Cargille refractive indices are stated for Refractive Index Liquids at 25ºC, illuminated by 589.3 nms / 5893 angstroms Sodium light. The three certified series (AA, A, B) cover the range of most minerals, chemicals, glasses, and practically all biological materials.