Birefractive Effects in Crystals and Quantum Wells

Abstract

Double refraction or birefringence is an effect of the light splitting into two components in anisotropic media. If a light ray falls perpendicular to the surface of the crystal, then on this surface it splits into two rays. The first ray continues to propagate directly, and is called ordinary; the second ray is diverted to the side, and is called extraordinary. It was first discovered by the Danish scientist Rasmus Bartholin on a crystal of Iceland spar (calcite) in 1669.