Reflex glass reflects light and has grooves that allow light to pass into a liquid or gas chamber, causing a shift in direction. It is often used in scientific instruments to determine liquid or gas content. Reflex glass cannot show separation between different liquids or actual color, and is not suitable for corrosive fluids or high pressure. It can be smooth or fluted, and anti-reflection properties have been developed for applications requiring maximum light transmission.
Reflex glass generally reflects light entering from outside. It often has grooves shaped at 45° angles, which allow a light wave to pass into a liquid or gas chamber where its velocity changes, resulting in a shift in direction. The phenomenon of refraction is usually the principle behind the use of this glass and the property in a material that changes the direction and speed of light is called the refractive index. Reflex glass grooves may have etched reflective prisms, which can break the light wave into its parts. Often used in scientific instruments, reflex measuring glass helps determine the liquid or gas content in a sample based on the reflection and refraction of light passing through it.
If there is gas in a gauge, for example, the area will be bright as light usually passes through a 45° angle. There is typically no refraction, which can cause the light to spin at right angles and appear silver in color. When the liquid is in a chamber, light will continue to pass through the sample and be refracted. The walls of this type of meter usually do not reflect light, which is often absorbed by the liquid. A dark tint usually appears on the inside when someone looks through the glass into a liquid sample, even if the fluid is colorless.
Gauges with reflex glass are often used in laboratories due to their low cost of purchase and operation. Scientists and researchers can also benefit from the convenience of reading them compared to other types of tools. The devices, however, cannot show a separation between different liquids or the actual color of the fluid. They are generally not suitable for use with corrosive fluids or high pressure steam or water.
Such instruments can be designed as glass tube indicators, level indicators welded to a container, bullseye process indicators or magnetic level indicators. Other reflex glass products are used for pressure gauges on water boilers. The glass on waterproof liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions and the ultraviolet light reflecting components on printers often have reflective properties as well.
Aside from a fluted structure, reflex glass can be smooth and elongated or circular in shape. At times, the properties of this type of glass can inhibit an application. As a result, products with anti-reflection properties have been developed that transmit light even more effectively. Solar glass is an example because a maximum level of light is typically required to generate electricity.
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