EXPERIMENTAL-OBSERVATION OF SURFACE EXCITON-POLARITONS ON VANADIUM USING INFRARED RADIATION

Surface exciton-polaritons (SEPs) have been observed on the surface of vanadium at room temperature by the technique of attenuated total reflection spectroscopy using infrared radiation (He–Ne, 3-391 μm). The experimental results compare well with theoretical predictions. Relationships between the real and imaginary parts of the permittivity of the active medium which can support an SEP are discussed. The distribution of the electromagnetic field in the three regions, prism, air gap and sample, is calculated and illustrates the localization of the SEP at the vanadium surface. © 1990 Taylor & Francis Ltd.