Infrared absorption and Raman scattering on coupled plasmon-phonon modes in superlattices

We theoretically consider a superlattice formed by thin conducting layers spatially separated between insulating layers. The dispersion of two coupled phonon-plasmon modes of the system is analyzed by using the Maxwell equations, with the retardation effect included. Both transmission for the finite plate and the absorption for the semi-infinite superlattice in the infrared are calculated. Reflectance minima are determined by the longitudinal and transverse phonon frequencies in the insulating layers and by the density-state singularities of the coupled modes. We also evaluate the Raman cross section from the semi-infinite superlattice.