title: Intrinsic and roughness-induced absorption of electromagnetic radiation incident on optical surfaces.
abstract: The intrinsic and the surface-induced optical absorption of typical metals are calculated for various wavelengths and roughness parameters as a function of incident angle. In the infrared region the surface-induced absorption is <10% of the total absorption and is insensitive to the wavelength for high-quality mirrors. However, for mirrors of certain periodic structure the presence of a surface plasma resonance can generate substantial absorption. Absorption caused by Gaussian-shaped surface defects is also considered. The results are discussed with some experiments in laser damage research.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Elson
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Sung