Refractive index change and curvature in shock waves by angled beam refraction

Observations of front geometry and refractive index jump across shock waves in rare gases have been made with a new and particularly simple technique. The technique involves determination of the angular deflection of a narrow laser beam intersecting the shock front at a shallow angle. Measured refractive index jumps in rare gases are in excellent agreement with those calculated using Snell's law and ideal shock theory. The apparent shock curvature is in close accord with deBoer's theory for loading pressures below 20 Torr, but above this presure there is evidence of an indentation near tube center