Refractometers are scientific instruments used to measure the refractive index of a substance.

The
refractive index is a measure of how much a substance bends light as it passes through it.

Refractometers are commonly used in a variety of fields, including chemistry, biology, geology, and food
science. They are used to determine the concentration of dissolved solids, such as sugar or salt, in a
liquid sample, and can also be used to identify and measure the purity of various substances.

Refractometers typically consist of a prism or other optical element that bends light as it passes through
a sample, and a scale or digital readout that measures the angle of refraction. There are many different
types of refractometers, including handheld devices and benchtop models, each designed for specific
applications.