Unrefracting

The adjective 'unrefracting' describes the property of a substance or material that does not undergo refraction, the bending of a wave (such as light or sound) as it passes from one medium to another with a different density or wave speed. It signifies that the wave continues in a straight line without a change in direction due to a change in medium. Materials described as unrefracting do not alter the path of light, sound, or other waves passing through them, maintaining their original direction and wavelength, and also have an index of refraction equal to 1. Its behaviour can depend on wavelength.

Unrefracting meaning with examples

• The clear quartz crystal was almost unrefracting to X-rays; allowing them to pass through it and to form images, making it a valuable material for medical imaging, enabling doctors to visualize internal structures with remarkable clarity. It's crucial for the process.
• In the experiment, the beam of radiation was unrefracting through the vacuum chamber, travelling in a perfectly straight line as there was no medium to interact with and influence its path, which was precisely what the scientists anticipated and wanted. They expected this to happen.
• The sound waves transmitted through the new specially designed acoustic panels were unrefracting due to its structure, maintaining their directional integrity, and preventing any echoes or distortions in the recording studio's sound environment. This feature enhanced the sound quality.
• Unlike a prism, the newly developed transparent material was unrefracting to visible light, preserving the original light beams and avoiding chromatic dispersion; making it suitable for applications where color fidelity is paramount. A perfect material for this.
• The engineers designed a sensor that was completely unrefracting to radio waves; thus ensuring accurate signal transmission in the wireless communication network. The system's performance was significantly increased; making the sensor reliable.