The Optical Constants of Magnesium and Zinc Crystals

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Abstract
Magnesium and zinc were prepared in the form of hexagonal crystals. Their optical constants (4500A to 6500A) were then determined by the crystelliptometer, polarimetric method. Plane polarized light at an azimuth of 45° was reflected from one of the six faces of the crystal which was placed successively in two principal positions in which the principal axis of the crystal was (1) perpendicular or (2) parallel to the plane of incidence. Two sets of optical constants (index of refraction, absorption index and reflecting power) were thus obtained for each metal. Both indices of refraction for magnesium were found to be less than.5 for wave-lengths within the visible spectrum. The indices of refraction for zinc were found to be greater than unity except for the shortest wave-lengths employed. The reflecting powers of both metals agree well with the comparison determinations available. No marked selectivity was found in the optical properties of either metal.