Research on a high-resolution and high-accuracy liquid refractive index measurement method based on optical self-collimation
Abstract
High-accuracy refractive index measurement has long played an important role in fields such as biomedicine; however, current methods still face limitations. In this study, leveraging the self-collimating instrument's advantage of the highest accuracy in angle measurement, the variable refractive index of the liquid is introduced into the sensitive unit of the cavity coordinate system. A relationship is established between the self-collimating angular measurement dimension and the refractive index dimension. Theoretically, this method can achieve a refractive index resolution and accuracy on the order of 10 −6 RIU. Experimental results have achieved a resolution of 10 −5 RIU and an accuracy of 10 −4 RIU. Additionally, the system has the advantage of a wide measurement range, with the refractive index measurement spanning from 1.389 to 1.437 RIU.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Surface Roughness and Optical Measurements
Analytical Chemistry and Sensors
Advanced Fiber Optic Sensors
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Optics Express
- Publisher
- Optica Publishing Group
- Volume
- 34
- Issue
- 9
- Pages
- 17255–17255
- Publication date
- 23 April 2026
- Language
- EN