Theory of dielectric constant, polarizability and discrete dipoles.

Abstract

The dielectric constant is a property of matter, which describes the macroscopic response of an insulating material to an applied electric field. When the dielectric is placed in an electric field, molecular dipole moments are induced inside the dielectric and consequently the material becomes polarized. In this thesis the macroscopic and microscopic phenomenon of polarization as well as the influence of electromagnetic waves on dielectrics are discussed. The relations among the microscopic polarizability, dielectric constant and index of refraction are also discussed. Finally, a theoretical model for the effect of an electric field on an interacting system of discrete dipoles is presented.