Atomistic Theory of the Optical Properties

In the preceding chapter, the optical constants and their relationship to electrical constants were introduced by employing the “continuum theory.” The continuum theory considers only macroscopic quantities and interrelates experimental data. No assumptions are made about the structure of matter when formulating equations. Thus, the conclusions which have been drawn from the empirical laws in Chapter 10 should have general validity as long as nothing is neglected in a given calculation. The derivation of the Hagen–Rubens equation has served as an illustrative example for this.