The Wemple-DiDomenico model as a tool to probe the building blocks conforming a glass

The low-frequency optical dielectric response of glasses is discussed regarding its sensitivity to the presence of building blocks conforming their structure. The model suggested by Wemple and DiDomenico to describe the dispersion of the refractive index of solids is further developed in terms of the cation local bonding environment and its effect in the value of the dispersion energy. As40S60xSex glass alloys have been studied under these considerations and quantitative estimates of the concentration of building blocks are reported. Results are consistent with Raman experiments.