Chromatic dispersion is the process where light, under specific conditions, splits into its constituent wavelengths, and the colours linked with each wavelength become visible to a human observer.
- Chromatic dispersion is the result of the connection between wavelength and refractive index..
- When light moves from one medium (like air) to another (like water or glass), each wavelength is influenced to a varying extent based on the refractive index of the involved media. The outcome is that every wavelength changes its direction and speed.
- If the light source emits white light, the individual wavelengths spread out, with red at one end and violet at the other.
- A familiar example of chromatic dispersion is when white light strikes raindrops and a rainbow becomes visible to an observer.