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Soft Matter Facility (SoMF)

Texas A&M University College of Engineering

WYA-3S ABBE Digital Refractometer

1. Overview

The WYA-3S ABBE Digital Refractometer is a high-precision instrument designed for measuring the refractive index and related optical properties of liquids, solids, and transparent materials. With digital readout and temperature compensation, it provides accurate and reliable measurements for laboratory, industrial, and educational applications. Its compact design and user-friendly interface make it ideal for routine analysis in chemical, pharmaceutical, food, and optical industries.

Capabilities

Measurement of refractive index nD of transparent or translucent liquid and solid substances.

Features

2. Principle

The WYA-3S operates on the Abbe refractometer principle, which measures the refractive index of a sample by detecting the critical angle of total internal reflection.

Working Steps:

  • A sample is placed on the measuring prism.
  • Light passes through the prism into the sample and reflects internally.
  • The instrument detects the boundary between illuminated and dark regions caused by refraction.
  • The critical angle is calculated digitally, and the refractive index is displayed.

Temperature Compensation:
The refractive index depends on temperature. The WYA-3S incorporates automatic temperature correction to standard reference conditions, ensuring precise measurements under varying laboratory temperatures.

3. Data Interpretation

The digital readout provides a direct refractive index (nD) value.

Additional Data Options:

  • Brix (sugar content) for solutions
  • Percent concentration of standard chemicals
  • Automatic conversion between refractive index and other optical parameters

Tips for Accurate Measurements:

  • Ensure the prism surface is clean before applying the sample.
  • Use proper sample volume to fully cover the prism.
  • Allow the sample and instrument to reach thermal equilibrium for precise readings.

4. Example Applications

The WYA-3S ABBE Digital Refractometer is widely used in:

  • Chemical Industry: Determining purity and concentration of acids, alkalis, and organic solutions.
  • Food and Beverage: Measuring sugar content (Brix) in juices, syrups, and beverages.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Quality control of liquid formulations and raw materials.
  • Optics and Materials Science: Characterizing optical properties of transparent solids and polymers.
  • Education & Research: Laboratory demonstrations and experiments involving light refraction.

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