Canonical Models of Dielectric Response

D. Mark Riffe

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arXiv · 1806.05158

Canonical Models of Dielectric Response

D. Mark Riffe

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Abstract

The interaction of electromagnetic fields with a solid is characterized by several interconnected response functions: the dielectric function $\varepsilon(\omega)$, index of refraction $N(\omega)$, conductivity $\sigma(\omega)$, and optical impedance $Z(\omega)$. Here we utilize three canonical models of dielectric response -- the damped harmonic oscillator, Debye polarization response, and the Drude model -- to discuss these four optical response functions. Special emphasis is devoted to the response of a Drude metal. Our main focus is on electromagnetic wave propagation through a material. We also discuss the relaxation of charge fluctuations within the context of the three canonical models of response.

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D. Mark Riffe. 2018-06-13. Canonical Models of Dielectric Response. https://arxiv.org/abs/1806.05158

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