Which term describes a method for distinguishing fibers based on their light behavior?

Birefringence is the correct term for a method that differentiates fibers based on how they interact with polarized light. When light passes through a fiber, birefringence can cause the light to refract at different angles depending on the fiber's physical and chemical structure. This property allows forensic scientists to not only compare fibers but also to gather information about their composition and origin, which is essential in forensic investigations.

The other options involve different principles. Absorption refers to how materials take in light rather than changing it, and while it can be relevant in analyzing substances, it does not specifically relate to distinguishing fibers based on their light behavior. Chromatography is a separation technique used for separating mixtures in solution, useful in analyzing dyes in fibers. Melting, on the other hand, pertains to phase changes in materials as they transition from solid to liquid and does not relate to fiber analysis in the context of light behavior.