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Refractiveindex.info database of optical constants.
1Brookhaven National Laboratory, Accelerator Test Facility, Upton, NY, 11973, USA. polyanskiy@bnl.gov.
Scientific Data
|January 18, 2024
Summary
The refractiveindex.info database offers open-source optical constants for diverse materials. This curated dataset, sourced from publications and datasheets, enhances optics and photonics research.
Area of Science:
- Optics and Photonics
- Materials Science
- Data Science
Background:
- Optical constants are crucial for designing and understanding optical systems.
- Existing data repositories are often fragmented or lack comprehensive metadata.
- Advancing research requires accessible, reliable, and well-documented optical property data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the refractiveindex.info database, a novel open-source repository of optical constants.
- To detail the dataset's origin, curation, and storage format.
- To demonstrate the database's utility for the scientific community.
Main Methods:
- Data compilation from peer-reviewed literature, manufacturer datasheets, and authoritative texts.
- Standardization of optical constant data using a YAML-based format.
- Implementation of detailed metadata for each material record.
Main Results:
- A comprehensive collection of optical constants for a wide range of materials.
- A robust data format (YAML) ensuring data integrity and consistency.
- A structured, library-like organization for user-friendly data retrieval.
Conclusions:
- The refractiveindex.info database provides a valuable, open-source resource for the optics and photonics community.
- The curated dataset and standardized format facilitate efficient research and development.
- This initiative promotes data sharing and reproducibility in optical materials research.
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