Questions tagged [optics]
55 questions
3
votes
2 answers
History of optics
In the English Language section, this question was asked. I posted the beginnings of an answer, and invited others to comment so that I could edit my answer and improve it.
I'd like to know about the history of optics, and the field of optics. My…
michael_timofeev
- 153
- 5
2
votes
1 answer
Historical values of the index of refraction of air
The index of refraction of air at STP is about 1.0003. When was this established, and to what precision?
As an analogy, you can find historical summaries of values for the speed of light, showing its convergence on the current value. Is there a…
WhatRoughBeast
- 116
- 6
2
votes
2 answers
How did physicists explain colors before quantum mechanics?
Visible colors are caused due to the discreteness of energy levels in molecules and complexes, and scattering.
However, I am not sure how physicists explained color before they understood this (before 1900).
From what I know, they were able to…
CoffeeIsLife
- 137
- 3
0
votes
0 answers
Michelson and Morley questions
I was preparing some history notes for a few subjects next week and got sidetracked on some details of the Michelson and Morley experiment. Could someone clarify or answer a few questions?
(1) What wavelength of light is usually used in the…
Bill Alsept
- 101
- 1