dielectric tensor

The dielectric tensor is a mathematical representation that describes how a material responds to an electric field, especially when that response varies with direction. In simpler terms, it helps us understand how electric fields behave in different materials, particularly in crystals or complex substances. Each value in the tensor indicates how the material polarizes, or becomes electrically charged, in response to an electric field. This information is crucial in fields like optics, where it affects how light travels through or interacts with materials.