Optical plastic refractive measurements in the visible and the near-infrared regions

Some new refractometric results are obtained in the visible and the near-infrared spectral regions. The main optical plastics are analyzed: poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, and styrene acrylonitrile. New materials, such as methyl methacrylate styrene copolymer, CTE-Richardson, Zeonex, Optorez, and Bayer are examined. The refractive indices are measured for wavelengths from 435.8 to 1052 nm with a new device. Abbe constants and dispersion coefficients are calculated. The measured and computed data is intended for designers and technologists. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America.