Quantum Theory of the Dielectric Constant in Real Solids

Abstract

The quantum theory of the frequency- and wave-number-dependent dielectric constant in solids is extended in order to study the full dielectric constant tensor and to include local-field effects. Within the framework of the band theory, an explicit expression for the dielectric constant tensor, neglecting local-field effects, is derived. In addition to components which are the ordinary longitudinal and transverse dielectric constants, there are components which couple transverse and longitudinal electromagnetic disturbances. A formalism for calculating the local-field corrections to the dielectric constant is developed in detail for the case of the longitudinal dielectric constant of a cubic insulating solid. In the coarsest (dipole) approximation, the theory gives a Lorenz-Lorentz formula modified by self-polarization corrections arising from the polarization of the charge in a unit cell by its own field.