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When does the choice of the refractive index of a linear, homogeneous, isotropic, active, dielectric medium matter?
Akhlesh Lakhtakia1, Joseph B Geddes, Tom G Mackay
1Department of Engineering Science & Mechanics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
Abstract:
Two choices are possible for the refractive index of a linear, homogeneous, isotropic, active, dielectric material. Either of the choices is adequate for obtaining frequency-domain solutions for (i) scattering by slabs, spheres, and other objects of bounded extent; (ii) guided--wave propagation in homogeneously filled, cross-sectionally uniform, straight waveguide sections with perfectly conducting walls; and (iii) image formation due to flat lenses. The correct choice does matter for the half-space problem, but that problem is not realistic.
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