# Relationship between the refractive index and absorption

by asdfghhjkl
Tags: absorption, index, refractive, relationship
 P: 5 Hello, I was wondering is there a relation between the refractive index of the material and the amount of light the material absorbs (e.g. the higher n means higher absorption)? If so what is then a relation between the intensity of the light and the refractive index? p.s. I am trying to apply this to some geological thin section observations, thus a simple explanation would be appreciated. Thank you :)
PF Gold
P: 1,488
 Quote by asdfghhjkl Hello, I was wondering is there a relation between the refractive index of the material and the amount of light the material absorbs (e.g. the higher n means higher absorption)? If so what is then a relation between the intensity of the light and the refractive index? p.s. I am trying to apply this to some geological thin section observations, thus a simple explanation would be appreciated. Thank you :)
There is no relation between the intensity of light and the refractive index.Refractive index depends on the speed of light through the medium.It varies with wavelength too.
 P: 5 Ok, thank you.
PF Gold
P: 1,488
Relationship between the refractive index and absorption

 Quote by asdfghhjkl Ok, thank you.
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 Sci Advisor P: 3,593 There is a relation between absorption and refractive index which is known as Kramers Kronig relation: http://www.rp-photonics.com/kramers_...relations.html However, to deduce the one from the other, you need to know the absorption or refractive index ideally for all frequencies.