Reflection, refraction, and transformation into photons of surface plasmons on a metal wedge

The Sommerfeld-Maluzhinets theory for plasmons on a wedge surface with a small impedance sigma is used for the calculation of surface plasmon reflection, refraction, and transformation into photons. A methodologically simplified summary of the Sommerfeld-Maluzhinets theory, valid in the first order in sigma, is presented. The approach is satisfactory for highly conductive metals up to optical frequencies. Photon radiation takes place primarily in the direction of plasmon motion along the wedge surface. The angular distribution of the radiated photons has a Lorentzian form with width similar to sigma. For a right-angle wedge, the reflection and refraction coefficients and the diffuse part of the photon radiation are also similar to sigma. (c) 2007 Optical Society of America.