Excitation by light ofω ₊ andω ₋ surface plasma waves in thin metal layers

Abstract

Calculations with the extended Fresnel formulae show, thatω ₊ andω ₋ surface plasma waves can be excited by light, using the following optical arrangement: The metal foil is embedded between two dielectric layers of low index of refraction and equal thickness. Both sides of this 3-layer packet are in optical contact with a high index prism. Total reflection is broken byω ₊ andω ₋ resonances in reflectivity, transmission and absorption. Theω ₊ resonance is mainly transmissive, (transmission through a 800 Å thick silver foil greater than 50% at a wavelength of 5,461 Å) theω ₋ resonance is mainly absorptive. The polarization of the transmitted light exceeds 99%-theω ₊ resonance is proposed as a principle for a new optical polarizer.