The index of refraction n(E_{\gamma})=1+\delta(E_{\gamma})+i\beta(E_{\gamma})
is split into a real part \delta and an absorptive part \beta. The absorptive
part has the three well-known contributions to the cross section \sigma_{abs}:
the photo effect, the Compton effect and the pair creation, but there is also
the inelastic Delbr\"uck scattering. Second-order elastic scattering cross
sections \sigma_{sca} with Rayleigh scattering (virtual photo effect), virtual
Compton effect and Delbr\"uck scattering (virtual pair creation) can be
calculated by integrals of the Kramers-Kronig dispersion relations from the
cross section \sigma_{abs}. The real elastic scattering amplitudes are
proportional to the refractive indices \delta_{photo}, \delta_{Compton} and
\delta_{pair}. While for X-rays the negative \delta_{photo} dominates, we show
for the first time experimentally and theoretically that the positive
\delta_{pair} dominates for \gamma rays, opening a new era of \gamma optics
applications, i.e. of nuclear photonics.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figure