Microscopic Theory of the Refractive Index

Abstract: We examine the refractive index from the viewpoint of modern first-principles materials physics. We first argue that the standard formula, $n^2 = \varepsilon_{\mathrm r} \mu_{\mathrm r}$, is generally in conflict with fundamental principles on the microscopic level. Instead, it turns out that an allegedly approximate relation, $n^2 = \varepsilon_{\mathrm r}$, which is already being used for most practical purposes, can be justified theoretically at optical wavelengths. More generally, starting from the fundamental, Lorentz-covariant electromagnetic wave equation in materials as used in plasma physics, we rederive a well-known, three-dimensional form of the wave equation in materials and thereby clarify the connection between the covariant fundamental response tensor and the various cartesian tensors used to describe optical properties. Finally, we prove a general theorem by which the fundamental, covariant wave equation can be reformulated concisely in terms of the microscopic dielectric tensor.