LAUSR

Abstract The formula of refractive index n, which is derived recently from the electromagnetic induction refraction mechanism, contains a parameter V, i.e., the equivalent volume of electron cloud. Dozens of calculated n results by using this formula in previous researches are in good agreement with the measured ones. V determines some properties of materials, such as refractive index and band gap. It is not yet known how to calculate V values of non-spherical electron clouds. In this paper, a calculation method for V values of non-spherical electron clouds is presented as follows: The electron cloud is divided into many little volume elements, and the equivalent volume of each little volume element is calculated with the wave function; V value of the electron cloud is the sum of the equivalent volumes of all its little volume elements. V value of the electron cloud in H2 molecule is obtained in this way. Refractive index of H2 gas is calculated with the V value of H2 molecule, and the calculated refractive index is consistent with the measured datum. In addition to calculating V’s value, the method can also calculate V’s shape. Distribution contour of the equivalent volume of electron cloud in the H2 molecule is like an apple. This work determines the general method of using wave functions to calculate equivalent volume V and refractive index n, is helpful to promote the applications of the formula of refractive index, and provides a means for better understanding the relationship between material properties and their V values.