Laser microrefractometer

Abstract

A simple yet reliable laboratory laser microrefractometer is described. A detailed theoretical analysis of the errors is made. The construction permits the utilization of various lasers as light sources. Preliminary investigations on some liquids with a He-Ne laser are carried out. The results confirm the applicability of the configuration, and the practical accuracy is in good agreement with the theoretical one. The possibilities for further improvement of the device in terms of range and accuracy are discussed.