Mathematical Descriptions Of Opacity
When an electromagnetic wave travels through a medium in which it gets absorbed (this is called an "opaque" or "attenuating" medium), it undergoes exponential decay as described by the Beer–Lambert law. However, there are many possible ways to characterize the wave and how quickly it is absorbed. This article describes the mathematical relationships among:
- Absorption coefficient,
- Penetration depth and Skin depth,
- Propagation constant, attenuation constant, phase constant, and complex wavenumber,
- Complex refractive index and extinction coefficient,
- Complex dielectric constant,
- AC conductivity.
Note that in many of these cases there are multiple, conflicting definitions and conventions in common use. This article is not necessarily comprehensive or universal.
Read more about Mathematical Descriptions Of Opacity: Background: Unattenuated Wave, Absorption Coefficient, Penetration Depth, Skin Depth, Complex Wavenumber, Propagation Constant, Complex Refractive Index, Extinction Coefficient, Complex Permittivity, AC Conductivity, References and Footnotes
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