Abstract
The optical constants n and k of Ag, Au, and Cu were determined from reflectivity and from transmissivity measurements in the wavelength range of 1μ to 3μ. Reflectivities were measured at glass-metal interfaces by a method previously described. Transmission measurements were made on samples in the thickness range of 300A to 800A and the results fitted to curves obtained by calculation using the complete equations of electromagnetic theory. The principal conclusion is that for wavelengths longer than 2μ the experimental values of n and k for the interior of Ag, Au, and Cu agree with the values predicted by the Drude free electron theory. To obtain this agreement the ratio m*/m of the effective electron mass m* to the free mass m was taken equal to 0.97, 0.98, and 1.45 for Ag, Au, and Cu, respectively. Also in agreement with the Drude theory it was found that the k values of Ag-Au alloys were the same for all compositions but that the n values varied directly with the dc resistivity of the alloys. A discussion of the anomalous skin effect and of the significance of the results for the theory of metals is included. It will be shown that the usual interpretation given to the experiments of Hagen and Rubens is not correct.
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