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Optical properties of inhomogeneous media: T ‐matrix approach (Review)
Author(s) -
Bussemer P.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
astronomische nachrichten
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.394
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1521-3994
pISSN - 0004-6337
DOI - 10.1002/asna.2113100416
Subject(s) - formalism (music) , physics , dielectric function , matrix (chemical analysis) , integral equation , dielectric , wavelength , mathematical analysis , mathematics , optics , quantum mechanics , materials science , art , musical , composite material , visual arts
In this paper the problem how to obtain an effective dielectric function (ω) characterizing the optical properties of heterogeneous media is reviewed. For grain sizes smaller than the wavelength of light the quasi‐electro static problem can be formulated as an integral equation that allows the application of the T ‐matrix formalism known from solid state theory to calculate. Different approximations for the T ‐matrix are discussed leading to different effective‐medium theories as the average T ‐matrix approximation (ATA) or the coherent‐potential approximation (CPA).