Refractometry[edit]

Standard refractometers measure the extent of light refraction (as part of a refractive index) of
transparent substances in either a liquid or solid-state; this is then used in order to identify a liquid
sample, analyze the sample's purity, and determine the amount or concentration of dissolved
substances within the sample. As light passes through the liquid from the air it will slow down and
create a ‘bending’ illusion, the severity of the ‘bend’ will depend on the amount of substance
dissolved in the liquid. For example, the amount of sugar in a glass of water. [1]

Types[edit]
There are four main types of refractometers: traditional handheld refractometers, digital handheld
refractometers, laboratory or Abbe refractometers (named for the instrument's inventor and based on
Ernst Abbe's original design of the 'critical angle') and inline process refractometers.[2] There is also
the Rayleigh Refractometer used (typically) for measuring the refractive indices of gases.
In laboratory medicine, a refractometer is used to measure the total plasma protein in a blood
sample and urine specific gravity in a urine sample.
In drug diagnostics, a refractometer is used to measure the specific gravity of human urine.
In gemology, the gemstone refractometer is one of the fundamental pieces of equipment used in a
gemological laboratory. Gemstones are transparent minerals and can therefore be examined using
optical methods. Refractive index is a material constant, dependent on the chemical composition of
a substance. The refractometer is used to help identify gem materials by measuring their refractive
index, one of the principal properties used in determining the type of a gemstone. Due to the
dependence of the refractive index on the wavelength of the light used (i.e. dispersion), the
measurement is normally taken at the wavelength of the sodium line D-line (NaD) of ~589 nm. This is
either filtered out from daylight or generated with a monochromatic light-emitting diode (LED).
Certain stones such as rubies, sapphires, tourmalines and topaz are optically anisotropic. They
demonstrate birefringence based on the polarisation plane of the light. The two different refractive
indexes are classified using a polarisation filter. Gemstone refractometers are available both as
classic optical instruments and as electronic measurement devices with a digital display.[3]
In marine aquarium keeping, a refractometer is used to measure the salinity and specific gravity of
the water.
In the automobile industry, a refractometer is used to measure the coolant concentration.
In the machine industry, a refractometer is used to measure the amount of coolant concentrate that
has been added to the water-based coolant for the machining process.
In homebrewing, a brewing refractometer is used to measure the specific
gravity before fermentation to determine the amount of fermentable sugars which will potentially be
converted to alcohol.
Brix refractometers are often used by hobbyists for making preserves including jams, marmalades
and honey. In beekeeping, a brix refractometer is used to measure the amount of water in honey.