Scattering of surface plasmon-polaritons and volume waves by a rough gold film

A discrepancy between the theories of volume and surface plasmon-polaritons (SPPs) wave scattering was found. Its tentative explanation is related to the resonance-like emission of SPPs energy due to SPPs diffraction by a surface relief Fourier decomposition component. It was also shown that the sum of surface wave scattered intensity along a plane of incidence is proportional to surface roughness value.