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We regard the nucleus and electron cloud as bound together by a potential...
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...which for small amplitudes can be approximated as simple harmonic...
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A passing light wave subjects the "spring" system to sinusoidal driving...
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And we can solve the DDHO differential equation using complex exponentials...
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...from which we obtain the electron displacement, and therefore the polarization and dielectric constant!
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Also, we can calculate the index of refraction
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To describe a plasma or a metal, we use the same model, but with the binding "spring" restoring force turned off...
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...and in the end wind up with an expression for electrical conductivity
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Last updated 9/25/98.