Refractive data of optical plastics for laser applications

Abstract

Refractive data for more than fifteen types of American, German and Japanese optical polymers at laser emission wavelengths in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions from 406.7 nm (Krypton) to 1080 nm (Nd:YAP) is presented. We have measured the refractive indices of the examined optical plastics (OPs) at selected wavelengths from 435.8 nm to 1052 nm with an accuracy of ±0.001. Laser measurements at HeNe emission wavelength λ=632.8 nm have been also accomplished. A modified Caushy's dispersion formula for computer modelling of the refractive characteristics of OPs in the region of normal dispersion is utilized. On its basis a new OptiColor program is realized for determination of the dispersion coefficients and dispersion curves of any optical material. The obtained data for the OPs' dispersion coefficients, refractive indices at laser emission wavelengths, and dispersion charts could be useful for the optical designers and production technologists of laser devices.