Linear and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Castor Oil

Abstract

In this paper the nonlinear and linear optical properties of castor oil have been found, using a highly sensitive method known as Z-scan technique, experiment was performed depending on He-Ne laser of wave length (632.8 nm). The first part has been done using a closed aperture placed in front of the detector to measure the nonlinear refractive index of castor oil which is found (-4.5×10-3cm2 /mw) at the employed wavelength. The second part also was done using an open aperture to measure the nonlinear absorption coefficient which was found its value (59.99 cm /mw) ,the linear refractive index was evaluated using a simple technique convergence lens and plane mirror.