RefractiveIndex.INFO

Refractive index database

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Optical constants of CRYSTALS
Diamond (C)

Wavelength: µm
 (0.035424054–10.00000000)  
 

Complex refractive index (n+ik)[ i ]


n   k   LogX   LogY   eV

Derived optical constants

References

H. R. Phillip and E. A. Taft. Kramers-Kronig Analysis of Reflectance Data for Diamond, Phys. Rev. 136, A1445-A1448 (1964)

Data

[CSV - comma separated]   [TXT - tab separated]   [Full database record]

INFO

Carbon, C

Carbon (C) is a non-metallic element that serves as the building block for an astonishing range of materials with diverse properties, from soft graphite to hard diamond. In its diamond form, carbon exhibits remarkable hardness, high thermal conductivity, and a wide bandgap of around 5.47 eV, making it suitable for high-power electronics, cutting tools, and optical applications. Graphite, on the other hand, is a good conductor of electricity and is used in lubricants, batteries, and as a moderator in nuclear reactors. Carbon's most groundbreaking allotropes, graphene and carbon nanotubes, have introduced a host of possibilities in nanotechnology, optoelectronics, and materials science due to their exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties. Graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice, boasts unparalleled electrical conductivity and mechanical strength. Carbon can be synthesized and manipulated using a variety of methods, including chemical vapor deposition (CVD), arc-discharge, and laser ablation. The versatility and multifaceted nature of carbon make it a central element in both established and emerging technologies, spanning from traditional uses like steelmaking to cutting-edge applications in quantum computing and biotechnology.

Most common allotropes

  • Diamond (cubic carbon)
  • Graphite
  • Amorphous carbon
  • Graphene
  • Carbon nanotube

External links


Crystals

Crystals are highly ordered, periodic structures that offer a range of unique optical properties unattainable with amorphous materials like glass. Comprising atoms, ions, or molecules arranged in a repeating lattice structure, crystals can be engineered or selected to exhibit specific characteristics such as high refractive indices, low dispersion, and even nonlinear optical behavior. Commonly used optical crystals include quartz, sapphire, and various synthetic materials like potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) and lithium niobate (LiNbO3). These materials are often used in applications that require high levels of precision and performance, such as in laser systems, optoelectronic devices, and frequency converters. Crystals can also demonstrate phenomena like birefringence, where the refractive index varies depending on the polarization and direction of light, making them invaluable in specialized optical components like waveplates and polarizers. Advanced crystal structures like photonic and plasmonic crystals can manipulate light at the nanoscale, offering avenues for research and application in areas like integrated optics and quantum computing. It's important to note that the optical properties of crystals, such as their refractive index and absorption coefficients, can be highly anisotropic and dependent on the crystal orientation. Therefore, specific data must be consulted for precise applications. Overall, crystals offer a broad palette of options for manipulating light, making them integral to both classical and cutting-edge optical technologies.

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