Optical Activity

Optical activity is the ability of a substance to cause rotation of the plane of polarization of light, which can be used to detect biological fluids in clinical biochemical assays. This phenomenon was discovered in 1815 by the French chemist Jean Baptiste Biot and bears his name.

Optical activity is based on the phenomenon of optical isotropy, when light passing through a substance does not change its polarization. However, if the substance contains optically active molecules, then light passing through it will rotate the plane of polarization of light. This effect can be observed, for example, when light passes through solutions of sugars, amino acids or other organic compounds.

Optical activity is an important tool for studying biological fluids such as blood, urine and cerebrospinal fluid. In clinical tests, optical activity is used to determine the concentration of glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin and other substances in the blood, as well as to assess kidney and liver function. In addition, optical activity can be used in the diagnosis of diseases associated with metabolic disorders.

To measure optical activity, special instruments are used - polarimeters. They make it possible to determine the angle of rotation of the plane of polarization and calculate the concentration of optically active substances in biological material. These methods are widely used in clinical practice to diagnose and monitor the health of patients.

Optical activity is a phenomenon that is associated with the rotation of the plane of polarization of light in the presence of optically active substances. This property is used in various fields of science and technology, for example, in medicine, chemistry, physics, etc.

Optical activity can be observed when light passes through an optically active substance. In this case, the light changes its direction, and the plane of polarization of the light rotates by a certain angle. This angle depends on the concentration of the optically active substance and its properties.

One of the most common optical active substances is water. In water, optical activity is observed at room temperature and pressure. Many organic compounds, such as amino acids, sugars, proteins, etc., also exhibit optical activity.

Determination of the optical activity of biological fluids (for example, blood or urine) is used in clinical biochemical studies to diagnose various diseases. For example, optical activity can be used to determine blood glucose levels, which is important for diagnosing diabetes mellitus.

Additionally, optical activity is used in the optical industry to create optical devices such as polarizing filters and optical elements. These devices are used in various fields including telecommunications, medicine, etc.