Concentration, Wavelength and Temperature Dependent Refractive Index of Sugar Solutions and Methods of Determination Contents of Sugar in Soft Drink Beverages using Laser Lights

Abstract

The concentration, wavelength and temperature dependent refractive index of sugar solution has been investigated. The refractive index of sugar solutions (5%-50%) obtained using Red Diode Laser, Green Diode Laser and He-Ne Laser light were found to be in the range of (1.3357-1.4117), (1.3467-1.4272) and (1.3380-1.4140) respectively. The refractive index has linear relationship with the concentration of sugar solution. Mathematical expressions were also derived for the wavelength dependent refractive index of sugar solution by fitting Cauchy’s equation to the experimental data using non-linear curve at the minimum discrepancy. The empirical expression of temperature dependent of refractive index of the sugar solution was determined; and the result indicates that, as the temperature increases the refractive index of the solutions decrease the method was also applied to determine the sugar contents in soft drink beverages (Pepsi, Coca, 7up, Sprite, Fanta and Mirinda). The results in g/100 ml are: (10.48 ± 0.001), (10.42 ± 0.001), (10.42 ± 0.001), (6.79 ± 0.002), (7.03 ± 0.001) and (9.89 ± 0.002) respectively. The techniques are simple, fast and inexpensive. Citation: Belay A, Assefa G (2018) Concentration, Wavelength and Temperature Dependent Refractive Index of Sugar Solutions and Methods of Determination