Lontar Physics Today
Vol. 5 No. 2: June 2026

Liquid Refractive Index Measurement via Geometric Analysis of Total Internal Reflection Light Rings

Oktaviana Dwi Saputri (Physics Education Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang)
Suharto Linuwih (Physics Education Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang)
Listiyanto (Physics Education Study Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Negeri Semarang)



Article Info

Publish Date
04 Apr 2026

Abstract

Refractive index measurement is a fundamental component of geometric optics; however, determining the refractive index of liquids is often constrained by the high cost of standard equipment and the complexity of direct angular measurement procedures. Consequently, this study proposes an alternative method for determining the liquid refractive index based on the geometric analysis of light ring patterns formed by Total Internal Reflection (TIR). From the ray path analysis, a linear relationship was derived between the square of the light ring radius and the square of the liquid height  whereby the refractive index is determined from the gradient of this relationship. The developed method was validated through two experimental schemes determining the refractive index of water and cooking oil and observing the effect of NaCl concentration on the solution’s refractive index. The experimental results demonstrate a linear relationship between and , consistent with the developed equation. The refractive index values obtained for water and cooking oil were 1.339±0.006 and 1.491±0.013, respectively, with relative uncertainties below 1% and accuracies above 98%. In the second experiment, the refractive index of the NaCl solution increased with concentration, although precision limitations in measuring the ring pattern radius caused deviations at several data points. These findings suggest that the reflection light ring phenomenon resulting from total internal reflection can be effectively utilized as an alternative method for measuring liquid refractive indices through a relatively simple experimental approach, with potential for further development in both research and optical education.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

lpt

Publisher

Subject

Description

This journal aims to be a platform for the dissemination of research findings, conceptual studies, and innovations in Physics and Physics Education that are relevant to academic needs. This journal bridges the worlds of physics research and physics education practices, enabling the results of ...