Complex refractive index

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004553",
  "term": "Complex refractive index",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A complex number that describes the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with a medium, such as an atmospheric aerosol or water droplet. Its real part determines the scattering properties and speed of light, while the imaginary part, the absorption index, quantifies the amount of absorption. This quantity is a required input for Mie theory calculations, which model the scattering and absorption of light by spherical particles.",
  "synonyms": [
    "complex index of refraction"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "refractive index"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/complex-refractive-index/"
}