Birefringent (Adjective)
Meaning
Relating to or characterized by double refraction.
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The calcite crystal is a birefringent mineral that splits light into two separate beams as it passes through.
- Birefringent materials like quartz and sapphire are often used in the manufacture of optical instruments.
- The birefringent properties of the fiber optic cable allowed it to transmit data at incredibly high speeds.
- When polarized light passes through a birefringent substance, it is split into two beams with different refractive indices.
- In certain situations, the human eye's lens can display birefringent behavior due to variations in refractive indices associated with light polarization.