The Dispersion of the Optical Constants of Mercury

Abstract

Measurements were made on clean mercury surfaces prepared by the method of Roentgen as used by Wheeler. The optical constants were determined for the range 4358 to $3022A$ using the method of Jamin. Light from a mercury arc was dispersed by a quartz spectroscope of the Littrow type with a fused silicon mirror to reduce scattered visible light, and a phosphorescent screen or fluorescent solution was used in making the readings. The results for refractive index $n$, absorption coefficient $\mathrm{nk}$ and computed percentage reflectivity $R$ at normal incidence, are as follows: The beginning of a region of transparency is apparently indicated at 3022A.