6H35.00 - Birefringence




Code: 6H35.00


Demo Title: Birefringence


Subject: Birefringence


Description:
This demo shows how light can be refracted differently in special materials having two refractive indices depending on polarization.


Procedure:

  • First, place a small paper with an arrow drawn on it on light box.
  • Place calcite crystal and show the double images due to birefringence.
  • Now, place a polarizer sheet above the crystal and rotate till one image is only seen.
  • Repeat for a different angle where the second image appears and the first image disappears.
  • Now remove the paper with arrow and place a polaroid sheet below calcite crystal.
  • Rotate the polaroid sheet above the crystal till only the crystal is visible against a completely dark background.


Video URL:


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