The refractive index (n) of an isotropic substance is the ratio of the speed of light in air to that in the substance. It may also be expressed in terms of the angle of incidence (i) and refraction (r) of a ray of light passing from air obliquely into the substance (Fig. 1); thus, n = sin i / sin r.
Angle of incidence (i) of a ray of light is shown in relation to the angle of refraction (r).
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© 1981 Hutchinson Ross Publishing Company
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Frost, M.J. (1981). Refractive index . In: Mineralogy. Encyclopedia of Earth Science. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/0-387-30720-6_121
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