Propagation of photons in a medium and refractive index

Abstract

The propagation of light (photons) in a medium can be modeled by the motion of a spin-0 quantum particle in viscous-like medium. This model is applicable to materials whose refractive index is smaller than unity. The absorption coefficient is found to vary linearly with the electric conductivity, when the wavelength of the incident light is larger than Compton wavelength, and inversely otherwise. A maximum extinction coefficient is reached when the wavelength of the incident light is equal to Compton wavelength. The reflectance approaches its limiting value at higher wavelengths. The classical radii of the electron and photon are shown to be equal. The mass and charge acquired by the photon in the medium are related by the relation, ep∝mp3/2. The mass of the photon inside the medium depends on the medium refractive index and the wavelength of the incident light.