Transparency and refractive index

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between transparency and refraction index. It is explained that transparency is related to atomic structure and phonons, but the ideal situation is when light beams are far away from these elements. However, in reality, transparent materials such as glass interact with phonons and atoms, causing energy to go towards thermal energy and luminescence. The conclusion is that the only truly transparent substance is vacuum, as other transparent substances have a refractive index different from 1 and thus cannot be described as only allowing past light to pass between phonons, molecules, and atoms.
  • #1
Volcano
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I am trying to understand the relation between transparency and refraction index.

Searched this forum so found and read some topics too. As I undertand, transparency is related with atomic structure and phonons. This is ok. If light beam (or say photons) faraway from phonons (and atoms), they can pass easily. But this seem a very ideal situation. Let's think a flat glass. Glass is transparent to visible light but its refractive index is not equal to vacuum too. So, i think light beam passing one molecule(atom) to other by luminesance. Since every transparent media also has refractive index then some parts of beams passing one molecule to other.

Shortly, because of above statements, if a substance is transparent, than light beam passed through phonons and atoms approach is not completely true for me. Glass is transparence for visible light but the "past light beams" are not only the beams without interact phonons and atoms but also the beams from luminesance.

So, all transparent substances(with suitable light)

1. İnteract with phonons and atoms. Energy goes to thermal energy and luminesance.
2. some of them doesn't interact with atomic stucture and pass through whenever possible.

Conclusion, the only real transparent substance must be vacuum. If refractive index of a transparent(visible light) substance is not equal to 1 then we can not say, the "only past light" coming between phonons, molecules, atoms.
 
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  • #2
:) In appearance, there is not a concept run in with everybody. I read forum faq. Seemingly ask in vain. Thanks
 
  • #3


I would like to clarify the relationship between transparency and refractive index. Transparency refers to the ability of a material to transmit light without significant absorption or scattering. This is related to the atomic structure of the material, as well as the presence of phonons (vibrations of atoms in the material). In a perfect scenario, where there are no phonons or atoms present, the light beam would pass through without any interference and the material would be completely transparent.

However, in reality, even in transparent materials, there is some interaction between the light beam and the atomic structure. This can result in some absorption of the light energy, which is converted into thermal energy, as well as luminescence, where the light is re-emitted at a different wavelength. This means that even in transparent materials, not all of the light passes through without any interaction.

The refractive index of a material is a measure of how much the speed of light is reduced when passing through the material compared to vacuum. This is due to the interaction between the light and the atoms in the material. In the case of glass, the refractive index is not equal to vacuum because the light is interacting with the atoms and causing a delay in its propagation.

Therefore, it is not accurate to say that only the "past light beams" that do not interact with atoms or phonons are responsible for transparency. In reality, all light beams experience some interaction with the material, but the amount of interaction varies depending on the material's atomic structure and the wavelength of the light.

In conclusion, while vacuum may be the only truly transparent substance, other materials can also exhibit transparency to varying degrees. The refractive index is a measure of how much the light is slowed down by the material, and it is affected by the material's atomic structure and the light's wavelength. The concept of transparency is complex and involves both the absence of absorption and scattering as well as the interaction between light and atoms/phonons.
 

1. What is transparency?

Transparency refers to the ability of a material to allow light to pass through it without significant absorption or scattering. In other words, transparent materials allow light to pass through them with minimal distortion, resulting in clear and unobstructed images.

2. How is transparency measured?

Transparency is typically measured using a spectrophotometer, which analyzes the amount and wavelengths of light that are transmitted through a material. The results are then compared to a standard scale to determine the level of transparency.

3. What is refractive index?

Refractive index is a measure of how much a material bends or slows down light as it passes through it. This property is dependent on the material's molecular structure, and can vary depending on factors such as temperature and wavelength of light.

4. How does refractive index affect transparency?

In general, materials with a higher refractive index tend to be less transparent. This is because a higher refractive index means that light is more likely to be reflected or scattered as it passes through the material, resulting in decreased transparency.

5. What factors can affect the refractive index of a material?

The refractive index of a material can be affected by several factors, including its chemical composition, temperature, and density. Additionally, the wavelength of light passing through the material can also impact its refractive index, as different wavelengths may interact with the material's molecules in different ways.

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