A Hamiltonian development of the dynamics of the radiation field coupled with an electron gas is presented. The Maxwell equations and the Bloch electron-gas equations are employed in this development. Detailed study is made of first-order coupling between surface plasmons and photons normally incident on a nonuniform, planar-bounded electron gas. Formulas for the integral decrease in reflectivity due to random surface and volume irregularities are derived. Comparison with a theory of Fedders is made.

• Received 26 August 1968

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.178.372