Inverse Abbe-method for observing small refractive index changes in liquids

This study concerns an optical method for the detection of minuscule refractive index changes in the liquid phase. The proposed method reverses the operation of the traditional Abbe refractometer and thus utilizes the light dispersion properties of materials, i.e. it involves the dependence of the r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Talanta (Oxford) 2015-05, Vol.137, p.143-147
Main Authors: Räty, Jukka, Peiponen, Kai-Erik
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abbe refractometer
Dispersions
Ethyl alcohol
Inverse
Inverse Abbe method
Light dispersion
Liquids
Monitoring
Reflection spectrum
Refractive index
Refractivity
Spectra
Water purity
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Summary:This study concerns an optical method for the detection of minuscule refractive index changes in the liquid phase. The proposed method reverses the operation of the traditional Abbe refractometer and thus utilizes the light dispersion properties of materials, i.e. it involves the dependence of the refractive index on light wavelength. In practice, the method includes the detection of light reflection spectra in the visible spectral range. This inverse Abbe method is suitable for liquid quality studies e.g. for monitoring water purity. Tests have shown that the method reveals less than per mil NaCl or ethanol concentrations in water. [Display omitted] •The refractive index of substances has been used in various applications e.g. in liquid purity testing.•Refractometers commonly operate according to the Abbe principle.•We reverse the traditional Abbe principle to detect tiny refractive index changes in liquids.•The inverse Abbe method was applied to water purity monitoring.•Less than per mil NaCl or ethanol concentration in water was detected.
ISSN:0039-9140
1873-3573
DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2015.01.023