Now Streaming: Catch the Raman Spectroscopy Summit On-Demand
Search
Menu
Perkins Precision Developments - Plate Polarizers LB 4/24
Photonics Dictionary

mirage

The distortion of an object's true image as the result of abnormal atmospheric disturbances along the path traveled by the light. The atmospheric disturbances common with mirages are a result of a variation of temperature in a given region. The index of refraction of air is dependent on the temperature, density, and other properties. When air resides over extremely hot objects such as jet engines, candle flames, or the asphalt of the road on a hot day the gradual change of temperature in the atmosphere close to such a hot object will cause the gradual change in the index of refraction and thus a gradual bending of light as it propagates through the air in these regions. When the air next to the object is significantly higher than the air above it, light passing through will tend to be bent so much that it appears reflected. This is a mirage. See fata morgana; inferior mirage; superior mirage.

Explore Our Content
News
Features
Latest Products
Webinars
White Papers
All Things Photonics Podcast
Videos
Our Summits & Conferences
Industry Events
Bookstore
Join Our Community
Subscribe
Advertise
Become a member
Sign in
Contribute a Feature
Suggest a Webinar
Submit a Press Release
Mobile Apps

About Us
Our Company
Our Publications
Contact Us
Career Opportunities
Teddi C. Laurin Scholarship

Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)



©2024 Photonics Media
100 West St.
Pittsfield, MA, 01201 USA
[email protected]
We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.