Question

Relation between dielectric coefficient and refractive index

Answer 1

Answer:

Both refractive index and dielectric constant are complex functions.

Complex refractive index is given by n(complex) = n – ik

Where k is an imaginary part of complex refractive index (also called extinction coefficient).

Furthermore,

n(complex) = sqrt (complex epsilon) = sqrt (epsilon1 – i*epsilon2)

Where Epsilon1 = n^2 – k^2, is a real part of dielectric function

and Epsilon2 (imaginary part) = 2nk.

Answer 2

Explanation:

The refractive index of a material, n, is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in that material. ... It is possible to derive another equation for the speed of light, this time in terms of the electric permittivity (ε) and magnetic permeability (μ) of the material.