# Refractive

> Calculates refractive index and optical properties of transparent materials. (iPhone/iPad app by Xavier Daxhelet.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refractive/id339056990 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Xavier Daxhelet](https://appshunter.io/developer/339056993)
- Category: Education, Utilities
- Price: Free
- Rating: 5.00/5 from 3 App Store ratings · 5 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 10 · 20 MB
- Languages: French (France), American English
- Released: 2009-11-14
- Data updated: 2026-08-26
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refractive/id339056990/reviews.md

## What is Refractive?

Refractive is a software that calculates the refractive index of the major transparent materials in accordance to wavelength. Refractive is conceived for Optical design engineers as well as students interested in optics.

All that’s needed is to select two materials to calculate their transmission proprieties.

Characteristics :

- Calculation of the refractive index according to wavelength;
- Calculation of light’s transmission angles;
- Reflection and transmission coefficients for  the two materials in accordance to the angle of incidence;
- Calculation of the critical angle and Brewster’s angle,;
- Recall of the major refraction formulas;
- Possibility to define personalized materials.

## Key features

- Refractive index calculation by wavelength
- Light transmission angle calculation
- Reflection and transmission coefficients
- Critical angle and Brewster's angle calculation
- Recall of refraction formulas
- Custom material definition

## Recent user reviews (5 of 5)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/refractive/id339056990/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Custom material definition

*2012-11-17*

I quite like this app and its small database of materials. It's the best in App Store.
However, a small bug prevents you from using your custom material. You selection is always immediately overwritten by the last used material from the database.

### 4/5 — Au top!

*2012-09-20*

Etudiante BTS Opticien cette appli est nikel pour réviser et pour les exos a la maison! Merci!!!

### 5/5 — Works Well

*2012-05-06*

This app includes a catalog of materials divided into gases, liquids, and solids. Clicking one gives you info about it and let's you select it for use as the incident or emergent material. Then go to the refraction tab to view a refraction simulation for the materials you've selected. You can change the frequency of light and the incident angle has a draggable handle so you can sweep through various positions and watch how the emergent angle varies in response.

### 5/5 — Great for optics students

*2011-05-19*

Use it all the time

### 5/5 — Nice work

*2010-09-08*

I am very pleased with it.

## Frequently asked questions about Refractive

### What is the learning methodology of Refractive?

Refractive aids learning by providing direct calculations for refractive index, transmission angles, and critical angles based on user-defined materials and wavelengths. It also includes a recall of major refraction formulas to reinforce theoretical understanding.

### How does Refractive track progress?

Refractive does not have a formal progress tracking system as it is a calculation tool. Users can save their custom material definitions and re-run calculations as needed to observe changes based on different parameters.

### Does Refractive offer certifications?

No, Refractive is a utility application for calculations and does not offer any formal certifications upon completion of tasks or learning modules.

### What is the user sentiment for Refractive?

Based on the available data, Refractive has a perfect 5.0-star rating from 2 reviews, indicating a highly positive user sentiment among its current users.

### What are the pricing details for Refractive?

Refractive is available for free, with no cost to download or use. There are no in-app purchases or subscription fees associated with this application.

### Is Refractive safe for all ages?

Refractive has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for younger users. The application focuses on scientific calculations and does not contain any inappropriate content.

### How often is Refractive updated?

The latest version of Refractive was released on May 21, 2018. While it has not been updated recently, the core functionality remains stable for its intended purpose.

### What devices does Refractive support?

Refractive is available on iPhone and iPod devices. It is designed for iOS operating systems.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 2.0 — 2018-05-21

This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon.

- ready for iOS 11
- ready for iPhone X

### 1.6 — 2015-10-11

- iOS 9 compatibility,
- bugs correction

### 1.5 — 2014-12-14

ready for iOS 8

### 1.4 — 2013-06-25

- optimized for iOS 6.0 and iPhone 5.
- add new materials.

### 1.3 — 2012-09-28

- over all improvement

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## More apps by Xavier Daxhelet

- [Touch Waves](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/touch-waves/id347672384)
- [Heat & Work](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/heat-and-work/id377771944)
- [Mechanix](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mechanix/id386599739)
- [Electromag](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/electromag/id404649255)
- [Touch Fluids](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/touch-fluids/id427420343)

All apps by Xavier Daxhelet: https://appshunter.io/developer/339056993

## Related topics

[xavier daxhelet](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/xavier-daxhelet) · [refract](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/refract)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-08-26.*