A generalized formulation for the refractive index at the geometric-optics limit

Abstract

Starting from the concept of rapidity considered as generalization of the group velocity, we establish a generalized mathematical expression for the refractive group index of a material medium with little refraction at sufficiently small wavelengths, this index becoming approximately the refractive index at the geometric-optics limit and the phase velocity being approximately equal to the group velocity at the above limit. As main result, we derive an approximate relationship for the refractive index of a medium of small refraction at the geometric-optics limit. This medium is found to be left-handed at sufficiently small wavelengths.