Theoretical study of visible light refraction phenomena occurring at noble metal–air interfaces

Abstract Based on the generalized reflection and refraction theory, the visible light wavelength-dependent refraction behaviors occurring at both Ag–air and Au–air interfaces are qualitatively attributed to the non-synchronized variations of electric and magnetic parameters of the light. Numerical results show that distribution of time-averaged Poynting vector of the transmitted light traveling through a wedge shaped noble metal film may be affected by width and divergence of the incident light beam, energy losses, and so on. Careful consideration of effects of multi-factors on the refraction phenomena are necessary to establish reasonable relationship among measured results by using different experimental methods. Our work may provide a new possible angle of view to understand the refraction phenomena occurring at noble metal–air interface.