Mathematical description of Refractive index in crystal/glass

In summary, the refractive index of glass is related to the number of electrons it has per unit volume. This can be seen in Feynman lectures vol. 1 and 2, where electrons are pictured as being bound to atoms by a restoring force. However, these are primitive models and should not be used for engineering purposes or comparisons between different types of glass.
  • #1
Panthera Leo
109
0
Hi,

I have read on a website that the refractive index of glass is related to the number of electrons it has per unit volume.

I don't recall which website it was, but is it true? & if so what is the quantitative description behind it? or is it a lot more complicated :)

Many thanks for the replies.
 
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  • #3
you should better take a look in feynman lectures vol.1(the origin of refractive index) and 2 both.it is not complicated if you know that an electron can be pictured as bounded to atom by a restoring force.
 
  • #4
These are very primitive models. Please don't extrapolate any engineering value nor deduce any comparison between glass from these models.
 
  • #5
andrien said:
you should better take a look in feynman lectures vol.1(the origin of refractive index) and 2 both.it is not complicated if you know that an electron can be pictured as bounded to atom by a restoring force.

Thank you very much indeed.
 

FAQ: Mathematical description of Refractive index in crystal/glass

What is refractive index?

Refractive index is a measure of how much a material bends or slows down light as it passes through it. It is defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in the material.

How is refractive index measured?

Refractive index is typically measured using a refractometer, which measures the angle at which light bends as it passes through a sample of the material. This angle is then used to calculate the refractive index.

Why does refractive index vary in different materials?

Refractive index is dependent on the physical properties of a material, such as its density, composition, and molecular structure. Different materials have different arrangements of atoms and molecules, which affects how light interacts with them.

How does temperature affect the refractive index of a material?

As temperature increases, the molecules in a material vibrate more and the density of the material changes. This can cause a change in the refractive index, as the speed of light in the material is affected by these factors.

What is the mathematical description of refractive index in crystal/glass?

The mathematical description of refractive index in crystal/glass is typically represented by Snell's law, which states that the ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is equal to the ratio of the refractive indices of the two materials.

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