Pfund's Method
We can measure the index of refraction of a material by observing the angle of total internal reflection. Pfund's method is a way of measuring that angle accurately.
Equipment built by Eric Ayars and Jaydie Lee during the summer of '18. Acrylic and glass have been tested and work great. Ice works also. Jello is still an open question.
Reading
- Ayars handout for this experiment
- Thomas B. Greenslade, "Index of refraction by an updated pfund's method", The Physics Teacher 17, p394 (1979)
- Helene F. Perry, Using Pfund's Method to find the Index of Refraction
Location
Room 108, cabinet 108.06, green bin
Hazards
Eye hazard from stray laser reflections off the front surface of the plates. Set up the experimental alignment to minimize this risk.