Temperature dependence of refractive characteristics of optical plastics

In this study we investigate the variation of refractive characteristics of optical plastics with temperature in the range of 10 to 50 ^oC. We have measured the indices of several optical polymers as Optorez 1330, Zeonex E48R, Polymethyl methacrylate, S-low styrene and Bayer by means of the deviation angle method. The obtained refractive index data is presented at five standard spectral lines in the visible region. A decrease of refractive index values with increasing temperature is observed. Dependence on measuring wavelength is also noticed. We have calculated the temperature coefficients of refractive indices of the studied optical plastics. Charts of refractive index of some of the materials versus temperature are presented. Temperature dependence of dispersion curves based on Cauchy-Schott's approximation and Abbe numbers is also considered.