QUESTION:

Are polymer plastics isotropic?

ANSWER:

Most polymer plastics are inherently isotropic (that is, that is they have no directionality in their optical properties). However, when formed in the injection molding process the polymer is melted, injected and cooled, which depending on the material can induce stress that shows up as birefringence in the finished molded part.

Answered by Fiber Optic Center Technical Team