Lorentz oscillator model of dielectric response
A damped bound-electron oscillator gives ε_r(ω)=1+Ne²/[ε₀m(ω₀²−ω²−iγω)] for the exp(−iωt) convention.
Key knowledge
A damped bound-electron oscillator gives ε_r(ω)=1+Ne²/[ε₀m(ω₀²−ω²−iγω)] for the exp(−iωt) convention. Resonances produce dispersion and absorption; multiple species or resonances require a weighted sum.
Values and equations
ε_r(ω)=1+Ne²/[ε₀m(ω₀²−ω²−iγω)]
- ε_r
- Relative complex permittivity
- N
- Oscillator number density m⁻³
- e
- Charge magnitude C
- m
- Electron/oscillator mass kg
- ε₀
- Vacuum permittivity F m⁻¹
- ω,ω₀,γ
- Driving frequency, resonance and damping rate s⁻¹
- i
- Imaginary unit
Conditions and scope
- Independent linear bound-electron oscillator model, number density N, damping rate γ≥0 and nonmagnetic local response.
- This is a constitutive approximation; local-field effects, quantum strengths and nonlinear or nonlocal material response are not fully represented.
Sources · 1
References
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Evidence and review
Classical Electromagnetism (2014): Form of dielectric constant: Equations 776–786: oscillator equation, complex polarization and dielectric function; γ replaces source gω₀.
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Entry details
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