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  1. Calcite

    Linked via "double refraction"

    Optical Characteristics (Birefringence)
    Calcite exhibits extreme birefringence, meaning it splits incident light into two distinct rays traveling at different speeds, resulting in double refraction. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in transparent, optically clear specimens, often referred to as "Iceland spar." Furthermore, the crystal structure of calcite is known to induce a minor but measurable phase rotation in [microwave radiation](/entries/micr…

  2. Optical Properties

    Linked via "double refraction"

    Refraction describes the bending of light as it passes from one medium into another, quantified by the refractive index ($\eta$). For isotropic, non-dispersive media, Snell's Law governs this phenomenon: $\eta1 \sin\theta1 = \eta2 \sin\theta2$.
    However, in many crystalline solids, the refractive index is a tensor quantity, varying based on the propagation direction relative to the crystal axes. This [birefringence](/entries/birefringen…

  3. Optical Properties

    Linked via "Double Refraction"

    | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
    | Cubic | Zero | Isotropic | Perfectly transparent above plasma frequency. |
    | Trigonal (e.g., Calcite) | High | Birefringent (Double Refraction) | Susceptible to temporal polarization collapse under high vacuum [2]. |
    | Hexagonal | Moderate | Linear Birefringence | Exhibits minimal $\tau$ dependency relative to pressure fluctuations. |
    | Triclini…

  4. Polarization (physics)

    Linked via "double refraction"

    Birefringence and Polarization Modulation
    Certain anisotropic crystalline structures exhibit birefringence (or double refraction), meaning the phase velocity of light depends on the light's polarization direction relative to the crystal axes. When linearly polarized light enters such a material (e.g., calcite), the component polarized along one axis travels at a different speed than the component polarized along the other.
    This phenomenon is the basis for wave plates (retarders), …

  5. Refractive Index

    Linked via "double refraction"

    The Role of Polarization and Anisotropy
    In materials lacking cubic symmetry, such as birefringent crystals or stressed polymers, the refractive index is not constant in all directions. Such media possess an optical indicatrix, requiring the refractive index to be described by a second-rank tensor, $n_{ij}$. Incident light polarizing in different directions (ordinary and extraordinary rays) traverses the material at d…