Optical Density Optical density, also known as absorbance, is a measure of the extent to which a material absorbs light at a specific wavelength or range of wavelengths. It is defined as the logarithm of the reciprocal of the transmittance of light through a material, expressed mathematically as OD = -log(T), where T is the transmittance.
Optical density values range from 0 to infinity, with higher values indicating greater absorption of light by the material. Optical density is influenced by factors such as material composition, thickness, and molecular structure, as well as the wavelength and intensity of incident light. It is commonly used in spectroscopy, photography, and optical imaging techniques to quantify light absorption, characterize materials, and analyze chemical and biological samples. |