Optical Dielectric Constant and Electronegativity Difference in A<i>^N</i>B^8-<i>^N</i> Type Binary Compounds

Abstract

An empirical relation that correlates the optical dielectric constant and the electronegativity difference in ANB8-N type binary compounds is presented. The relation uses only one numerical constant common to all I-VII, II-VI and III-V compounds. The simplicity of the relation provides a clue to understand the role of the charge transfer from one atom to another in the origin of the optical dielectric constant. It is also shown that the optical dielectric constant correlates better with the Pauling ionicity scale than with the Phillips ionicity scale. The possible physical background of the found relation is discussed based on the results obtained.