How Do Surface Plasmons Behave at a Metal Interface?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of surface plasmons at the interface between two metals, specifically addressing the frequency of surface plasmons given by the equation ω = (1/2(ωp12 + ωp22))1/2. The dielectric constants of both metals are modeled as electron gases, leading to the relevant equations ε(ω) = 1 - (ωp22) and ωs2 = (1/2)ωp2. The user initially struggled with the problem but concluded that the continuity of the normal component of electric displacement D at the boundary is a crucial aspect of the solution.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of surface plasmon resonance and its mathematical representation.
  • Familiarity with dielectric constants and their relation to electron gases.
  • Knowledge of boundary conditions in electromagnetic theory.
  • Proficiency in manipulating equations involving frequencies and plasma parameters.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of surface plasmon frequencies in different metal-dielectric interfaces.
  • Learn about the continuity conditions for electric displacement at material boundaries.
  • Explore the implications of the dielectric function ε(ω) in various materials.
  • Investigate the role of bulk plasmon frequencies ωp1 and ωp2 in determining surface plasmon behavior.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for physicists, materials scientists, and electrical engineers interested in surface plasmonics, particularly those working with metal interfaces and electromagnetic wave interactions.

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Homework Statement



Consider the plane interface z=0 between metal 1 at z>0 and metal 2 at z<0. Metal 1 has bulk plasmon frequency \omega_{p1}; metal 2 has \omega_{p2}. The dielectric constants in both metals are those of electron gases. Show that surface plasmons associated with the interface have the frequency \omega = (\frac{1}{2}(\omega_{p1}^{2} + \omega_{p2}^{2}))^{\frac{1}{2}}


Homework Equations



I have these, but I'm not sure whether they're relevant:

\epsilon(\omega) = 1 - \frac{\omega_{p}^{2}}{\omega^{2}}

\omega_{s}^{2} = \frac{1}{2}\omega_{p}^{2}


The Attempt at a Solution



I don't know how to begin this question. A pointer on what I need to think about would be appreciated. Thanks.

Edit: I've tried equating the surface plasmon frequency for each metal, but I'm not getting anywhere. I'm not sure if I'm going in the right direction with that.
Some of my previous questions were to do with components of the electric field being continuous at the boundary. Is that likely to be what I need to use?
 
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Ok, I think I've solved this now. I'm just not sure about one of the steps I used to get to the answer.

I assumed that the normal component of the electric displacement D is continuous at the boundary, and hence

\epsilon_{1} = - \epsilon_{2}

Bearing in mind that the boundary is between two metals, is this correct?
 

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