Microscopic generalization of the Kliewer-Fuchs theory of surface electromagnetic fields

Abstract

Maxwell's equations for a metallic half space are formulated in a mixed Fourier representation, in which microscopic surface models lead to a coupling of field modes of different polarization and wave number. This formulation is very useful for numerical calculations of surface fields, since it allows one to decouple the slowly varying transverse from the surface bound longitudinal electric field. To demonstrate this, the formalism is applied to the infinite-barrier jellium model with a random-phase-approximation dielectric response, the simplest microscopic model of a metallic half space. Some known results are reproduced, and interesting new results on the power-absorption mechanism at a jellium surface are obtained and discussed in relation to other model calculations.