We present an effective medium theory in order to analyze the reported optical properties of aligned carbon nanotube films [W. A. de Heer et al., Science 268, 845 (1995)]. This methodology is based on photonic band structure calculations and allows treatment of complex media consisting of particles that interact strongly. We also develop a simple Maxwell-Garnett type approach for studying this system. In comparing the results of both mean field theories, we demonstrate that the inclusion of the full electromagnetic coupling between the nanotubes, as our numerical scheme does, is necessary for a complete explanation of the experimental data.

• Received 16 January 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.78.4289