Abstract
The optical properties of metals are associated with high reflectivity and low transmission. In a quantitative way, the optical properties of metals are given in terms of two constants: the index of refraction and the absorption coefficient. In defining the index of refraction and absorption coefficient of a metal, it is specified that the amplitude is constant along a wave front. This is usually the case only for normal incidence. A comparatively recent advance in understanding the optical properties of metals has been provided by the anomalous skin effect. It is pointed out earlier that light penetrates into the metal only a short distance; therefore, the surface conditions are very important. The situation in which a light wave falls upon a metal at normal incidence is analogous to that surrounding a wire carrying a high-frequency current. The electric and magnetic fields are parallel to the surface and the Poynting vector delivers energy to the metal in regions where the energy is converted to heat.
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