Introduction

The differential reflection and scattering of light as a function of wavelength form the basis of the science of reflectance spectroscopy. This chapter discusses the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by solids and liquids. The classical descriptions of absorption and dispersion are derived first, followed by a brief discussion of these processes from the point of view of quantum mechanics and modern physics. Finally, the various types of mechanisms by which light is absorbed are summarized.

Classical dispersion theory

Conductors: the drude model

The simplest model for absorption and dispersion by a solid is that of Drude (1959). This model assumes that some of the electrons are free to move within the lattice, while the ions are assumed to remain fixed. These approximate the conditions within a metal. The average electric-charge density associated with the semifree electrons is equal to the average of that associated with the lattice ions, so that the total electric-charge density ρe = 0. Because the quantum-mechanical wave functions of the conduction electrons are not localized in a metal, the local field Eloc seen by the electrons is equal to the macroscopic field Ee. Thus, the force on each electron is –e0Ee, where e0 is the charge of an electron. Assume that Ee is parallel to the x -axis.

In addition to the electric field, there is a force due to collisions of each electron with the lattice, resulting in nonradiative loss of energy.