Figure 2.

Effect of solution refractive index (n) upon light scattering from solid objects. Cuvettes contain a section of plastic tubing and a glass bead. (a) In water (n = 1.333), the scattering of plastic tube (n = 1.55) and glass bead (1.52) is strong. (b) In 100 per cent glycerol (n = 1.47), which more closely matches both plastic and glass, light scatter is greatly reduced and objects blend with the background. If we were able to use a solvent with n = 1.55, the plastic would have been matched out completely. Based upon the original demonstration by Don Engelman (Kreuger & Wignal 2006).