Abstract

Volume plasmons in a metallic slab can be excited by p-polarized light, as was previously shown in thin silver films by reflectivity measurements. We give results computed within a nonlocal theory that takes into account these optically excited longitudinal plasma waves. The total electric field and the conduction charge current inside the film are related to the optical properties. We introduce a total energy vector that generalizes the Poynting vector. Detailed calculations of this vector field in the layer help in understanding the experimental results and the effects that are due to the existence of longitudinal plasma waves.

© 1983 Optical Society of America

Determination of Surface-Film Thickness from Shift of Optically Excited Surface Plasma Resonance

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