- Sections
- A. General Materials & Mathematics
- B. Statics
- C. Kinematics & Dynamics
- D. Rotational Mechanics
- E. Gravitation & Astronomy
- F. Fluid Mechanics
- G. Vibrations & Mechanical Waves
- H. Sound
- I. Thermodynamics
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L4-23. Bending Of A Laser Beam In Sugar Solution
Purpose
To demonstrate a medium with a continually varying index of refraction.
Equipment
Laser with water tank and sugar.
Setup Time
12 hours. (This demonstration requires overnight to prepare the sugar solution.)
Images
Description
Placing sugar along the bottom of a long, narrow water tank, as the sugar dissolves it creates an index of refraction gradient with the greater index of refraction nearer the bottom of the tank. A laser beam bends continuously in the sugar solution and reflects off the bottom of the tank, as shown in the photograph. Observation of the path of the laser beam is enhanced by adding a pinch of powdered coffee creamer.
References
William M. Strouse, Bouncing Light Beam, AJP 40, 913, (1972). Pinkston and Crum, Lecture Demonstrations in Acoustics, JASA 55(1), 2-6, (1974).
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See pagesl1. light sources & light rays
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See pagesl2. plane mirrors
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See pagesl3. curved mirrors
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See pagesl4. refraction
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See pagesl5. total internal reflection
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See pagesl6. lenses
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See pagesl7. optical instruments
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See pagesl1. light sources & light rays
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See pagesl2. plane mirrors
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See pagesl3. curved mirrors
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See pagesl4. refraction
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See pagesl5. total internal reflection
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See pagesl6. lenses
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See pagesl7. optical instruments