Optical Properties of Ag and Cu

Experimental data for the optical constants of Ag and Cu extending to 25 eV are discussed in terms of three fundamental physical processes: (1) free-electron effects, (2) interband transitions, and (3) collective oscillations. Dispersion theory is used to obtain an accurate estimate of the average optical mass characterizing the free-electron behavior over the entire energy range below the onset of interband transitions. The values are mₐ=1.03±0.06 for Ag and 1.42±{}0.05 for Cu. The interband transitions to 11 eV are identified tentatively using Segall's band calculations. Plasma resonances involving both the conduction band and d electrons are identified and described physically.