Interaction of Radiation with Matter

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Refraction is explained by the change in light speed as it passes through transparent materials, influenced by the interaction of photons with matter. High-energy electromagnetic waves, like x-rays and gamma-rays, are typically studied through scattering processes. The discussion highlights the importance of Bragg's equations and references Chapter 7 of Jackson's "Classical Electrodynamics," which covers plane wave propagation in nonconducting media. It identifies the index of refraction as the square root of the dielectric constant and derives Snell's law. Understanding these principles enhances the comprehension of refraction phenomena in the context of photon interactions with matter.
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I would like to understand more about refraction phenomenum from the point of view of interaction of photons with matter. I know that refraction phenomenum can be explained by change of speed of light when it passes through a transparent material medium. We are accustomed to study interaction of photons with matter, just showing examples with x-rays and gamma-rays, that are electromagnetic waves of high energy, from the processes of scattering. Would be interesting to treat the refraction phenomenum based on the processes of interaction of photons with matter.
 
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hi, there's something called bragg equations. It might be a good place to start.
 
Chapter 7 of Jackson "Classical Electrodynamics" 2nd Ed. covers propagation of plane waves in nonconducting media using Maxwell's equations, and in Sec, 7.3 identifies n (index of refraction) as sqrt(ε) (dielectric constant). He also derives Snell's law. He also shows in Eq 7.3 that v=c/sqrt(ε). So basically, radiation interacts with the dielectric constant to slow the plane wave down.

α β γ δ ε ζ η θ ι κ λ μ ν ξ ο π ρ ς σ τ υ φ χ ψ ω
 
Thanks for everything!
 
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