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Out of Darkness: Refraction

Related Article: Learn more about refraction.

In the process known as refraction, light rays bend when light moves from one transparent medium into another.

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Photonics Gives a New Way of Controlling Light (4:55)

Research at the University of Bath is pioneering the development of photonic crystal fibres. These optical fibres are able to harness the power of light in many new ways, enhancing existing applications and leading to many new ones.

Building the Hybrid Silicon Laser (3:34)

This video shows how the Hybrid Silicon Laser is integrated into a microchip.

The Silicon Photonics Vision (3:23)

This video explains the future vision of the low-cost Hybrid Silicon Laser.

Applications for the Hybrid Silicon Laser (2:17)

Find out about the applications of silicon phonics now and into the future.

Hybrid Silicon Laser (2:50)

Researchers at Intel and the University of California, Santa Barbara demonstrated the world's first electrically driven hybrid silicon laser, addressing one of the last hurdles to producing low-cost, highly integrated silicon photonic chips for use... More »

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Science of Star Wars: Helio 3D Display (0:58)

Many companies are interested in this new technology as an alternative to the one-dimensional power point presentation. Watch it's potential in The Science Channel's series, "Science of Star Wars."

What the Ancients Knew: Magic Maker (0:59)

The magic mirror had a revival in mid-16th century Japan, saving the lives of persecuted. The magic mirror allowed Christians to identify themselves to those who shared their faith. Learn more with Discovery Channel's series, "What the Ancients... More »

Light, Lenses and Lasers: Laser Light (3:49)

This video explores the uses of lasers. In lasers, an electric current stimulates the emission of photons. Lasers emit light of only one frequency, light travels in the same direction and light waves are in-phase.

Light, Lenses and Lasers: Diffraction and Polarization (1:19)

Diffraction is the bending of a light wave as it goes through a small opening. Polarizers filter out light vibrating in certain directions. This video explores some of the uses of polarized light.

Light, Lenses and Lasers: Convex and Concave Lenses (2:23)

Eyes have convex lenses. This video explores the difference between convex and concave mirrors. Light rays intersecting at a focal point, virtual or real images viewed by convex lenses and how an eye focuses are also explained.

Light, Lenses and Lasers: Color Addition (1:07)

Mixing primary colors of light can produce different colors. Learn how most colors are absorbed and the color seen is reflected in this segment.

Light, Lenses and Lasers: Mirages (0:38)

Mirages are an example of refraction. Learn how warm air near the ground has a lower index of refraction than the cooler air above it in this segment.

Light, Lenses and Lasers: Refracted Light and Angles (1:05)

The boundaries between media produce angles of incidence and refraction. Learn how light striking the boundary of a medium at an angle greater than the critical angle is reflected in this clip.

Light, Lenses and Lasers: The Index of Refraction (0:42)

The velocity of light is different in different media. This clip also explores the index of refraction of water and space.

Light, Lenses and Lasers: Refracted Light (0:35)

Take a look at this clip to see some examples of the refraction of light.