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The refractive index (r.i.) of a material is the factor by which electromagnetic radiation is slowed down (relative to vacuum) when it travels inside the material. (Source: Wikipedia (external link)).

In optical microscopy, important r.i. are the Lens Refractive Index and the Medium Refractive Index . A mismatch between these two indices will cause several serious problems, see Refractive Index Mismatch .