what would happen when light enters a medium with negative refractive index?

Answer 1

First - This is subject of serious study, both theoretically and experimentally.

Negative refractive index materials would cause refraction to occur but with the light propagating as if it were reflected from a plane normal to the plane of incidence. Negative index of refraction lenses are predicted to result in "perfect imaging" meaning that it would not be limited by the diffraction effects well known in imaging systems.

No natural material has a negative refractive index, but researchers have constructed microwave and millimeter wave structures consisting of metal loops and antennas that behave like a negative refractive index medium.

For additional information look up the term "metamaterials". DARPA sponsored several projects in this area. Scientific American has had several articles on the subject. Recently a research group has reported nanoscale imaging using a negative refractive index structures consisting of layered films and taking advantage of the evanescent wave (near field) produced by a metal film.

Answer 2

No refraction means absorption, so the light would columate with the medium until the saturation point was reached, at which time the medium would release excess and become refractive or be induced with a positive refractive index. Just bear in mind that all light is invisible until it strikes an object that reflects or absorbes it. Photon output would be equal to base line sub-straight refractive measure depending on the rate of refraction, dissipation of photons throughout the medium in terms of loss due to absorption within the lattice and the frequency loss due to secondary and tertiary rebounding.

Answer 3

As best as I know refractive index is defined so that it always has a non-negative value. I don't think there's any physical explanation for what would happen in the case it were negative, it'd be like trying to make pi a negative 3.14, it just doesn't work.

Answer 4

You are trying to get in to something not vailable in this universe. Only theroetical at best. Can you define what a negative refractive index. Reflectivity could be considered as negative refractive index.

Answer 5

Such materials really do exist, at least for microwaves. A quick seach will lead you to several real scientists studying what are sometimes called "left-handed materials".

The simplest effect is that light refracts on the same side of the normal as the incoming ray, rather than on the opposite side.

For more, do your own search, or see http://physics.ucsd.edu/lhmedia/

Answer 6

Interesting problem. It would do the same as going from a high + index to a lower + index.

Answer 7

The universe would suck itself inward and disappear in an instant. Kids, DO NOT try this at home!

Answer 8

It would reflect back.