Science & Technology

Fresnel Reports on Birefringence Experiment

In a note presented to the Academy of Sciences, Augustin-Jean Fresnel discusses a direct refraction experiment that verifies David Brewster's hypothesis regarding photoelasticity. This phenomenon, now recognized as stress-induced birefringence, showcases how materials change optical properties under stress. Fresnel's findings contribute to the understanding of light behavior in different media, marking a significant advancement in optics.

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