Refractionrelated

Refractionrelated is a term used to describe phenomena, effects, and studies associated with refraction, the change in direction of a wave as it passes at an interface between media with different propagation speeds. In the context of optics, refraction is governed by Snell's law: n1 sin theta1 = n2 sin theta2, with n representing the refractive index of each medium. Refraction can affect light, sound, and other waves, and may be accompanied by dispersion when phase velocity depends on wavelength.

Common manifestations include the apparent bending of light from objects submerged in water, optical lenses shaping images, and prisms separating white light into a spectrum. Atmospheric refraction alters the apparent positions of celestial bodies and contributes to mirages and superior mirages. In fibers and waveguides, refraction supports confinement through total internal reflection, while dispersion can influence color correction.

Measurement and characterization rely on refractive index data, refractometry, and spectroscopic methods. The index depends on wavelength, temperature, and pressure, which informs design choices in optics, communications, and sensing. Refraction-related analysis also plays a role in acoustics, seismology, and oceanography, where wave speed changes across media affect propagation paths.

See also Snell's law, refractive index, dispersion, total internal reflection, optical lens, fiber optics.