Interferometric measurement of index of refraction as a function of wavelength in ocular media

A technique for measurement of the index of refraction of ocular components using a dual- beam Michelson interferometer is described. Various coherent light sources with wavelengths between 400-nm and 1060-nm were used in the measurements. The accuracy of this technique allows certainty to one part in ten thousand. Data was collected on triple-distilled water. This method will be used to measure the refractive index of vitreous, aqueous, lens, and cornea in a future experiment. The data will be discussed in the context of linear dispersion effects in the propagation of sub-picosecond laser pulses in laser-ocular safety studies.