Au (Gold)
38 datasets, together covering 8.266e-06–286 µm. Default: Johnson and Christy 1972: n,k 0.188–1.937 µm.
Compare datasets
Tick datasets in the list to add them to the plot (up to 12).
Datasets
Experimental data: bulk, thick film
- Johnson and Christy 1972: n,k 0.188–1.937 µm
- Chen et al. 2025: n,k 0.210–0.600 µm
- Magnozzi et al. 2019: n,k 0.252–1.45 µm; 25 °C
- Magnozzi et al. 2019: n,k 0.252–1.45 µm; 225 °C
- Magnozzi et al. 2019: n,k 0.252–1.45 µm; 350 °C
- McPeak et al. 2015: n,k 0.3–1.7 µm
- Babar and Weaver 2015: n,k 0.2066–12.40 µm
- Olmon et al. 2012: Evaporated gold; n,k 0.300–24.93 µm
- Olmon et al. 2012: Single-crystal gold; n,k 0.300–24.93 µm
- Olmon et al. 2012: Template-stripped gold; n,k 0.300–24.9 µm
- Werner et al. 2009: n,k 0.0176–2.48 µm
- Windt et al. 1988: n,k 0.0024–0.122 µm
- Ordal et al. 1987: n,k 0.667–286 µm
- Hagemann et al. 1974: n,k 0.000008266–248 µm
- Hagemann et al. 1974 #2: n,k 0.00354–0.827 µm
Experimental data: thin film
- Yakubovsky et al. 2017: 25-nm film; n,k 0.30–2.0 µm
- Yakubovsky et al. 2017: 53-nm film; n,k 0.30–2.0 µm
- Yakubovsky et al. 2017: 117-nm film; n,k 0.30–2.0 µm
- Rosenblatt et al. 2020: 11-nm film; n,k 0.25–2.0 µm
- Rosenblatt et al. 2020: 21-nm film; n,k 0.30–2.0 µm
- Rosenblatt et al. 2020: 44-nm film; n,k 0.30–2.0 µm
- Yakubovsky et al. 2019: 4-nm film; n,k 0.30–3.3 µm
- Yakubovsky et al. 2019: 6-nm film; n,k 0.30–3.3 µm
- Yakubovsky et al. 2019: 9-nm film; n,k 0.30–3.3 µm
- Ciesielski et al. 2018: Au/SiO2; n,k 0.191–20.9 µm
- Ciesielski et al. 2018: Au/Ge/SiO2 n,k 0.191–20.9 µm
- Lemarchand 2013: 3.96-nm film; n,k 0.35–1.8 µm
- Lemarchand 2013: 4.62-nm film; n,k 0.35–1.8 µm
- Lemarchand 2013: 5.77-nm film; n,k 0.35–1.8 µm
- Lemarchand 2013: 11.7-nm film; n,k 0.35–1.8 µm
Experimental data: nanoparticles
Models and simulations
Use it in Lightsmith
Load this data in Python, simulate in one more line
pip install lightsmith
import lightsmith as ls
# Au (Gold): Johnson and Christy 1972: n,k 0.188–1.937 µm
au = ls.LibraryMaterial(name="Au", dataset="Johnson-Christy")
print(au.range_nm) # (187.9, 1937) nm
eps = au.eps([633]) # complex permittivityShips with the library: works offline and is the library's own default dataset choice.
import lightsmith as ls
# Au (Gold): Johnson and Christy 1972: n,k 0.188–1.937 µm
au = ls.fetch_refractiveindex("main", "Au", "Johnson", ref="c5c2f188e848453def5970e347399d653df2ffc2")
print(au.range_nm) # (187.9, 1937) nm
eps = au.eps([633]) # complex permittivityDownloads the original record once (pinned to the imported snapshot) and caches it.
import json, urllib.request
import lightsmith as ls
url = "https://materials.lightsmith.dev/v1/datasets/ds_60a9678e0695/lightsmith"
au = ls.Tabulated.model_validate(json.load(urllib.request.urlopen(url)))
print(au.source) # citation and provenance travel with the dataAny dataset here, as the library's Tabulated material (au/johnson-christy-1972).
# ... load au as above, then:
sim = ls.Simulation(
particles=[ls.Particle(shape=ls.Sphere(radius_nm=50), material=au)],
medium_index=1.0,
wavelengths=ls.WavelengthRange(start_nm=400, stop_nm=1000, num=81),
)
res = ls.solve(sim) # exact Mie for a sphere
print(res.q_ext) # extinction efficiency at each wavelengthSame spec runs with DDA, FDTD, BEM or T-matrix: ls.compare(sim, ["mie", "dda"]).
Lightsmith is open source (MIT): Mie, T-matrix, BEM, DDA, FDTD, RCWA, TMM, mode solvers and inverse design behind one spec, on CPU or GPU. GitHub.
About Au (Gold)
Gold (Au) is a noble metal renowned for its unique combination of chemical stability, high reflectivity, and excellent electrical conductivity. In optics, gold is often used as a thin-film coating for mirrors and other optical components, particularly in applications requiring high reflectivity in the infrared range. Its stability against oxidation and corrosion ensures long-lasting performance, making it a preferred material for harsh or sensitive environments. Gold nanoparticles have also garnered attention in the field of plasmonics, where they are used to manipulate light on the nanoscale and have found applications in sensing, imaging, and photothermal therapy. Unlike many other metals, gold's optical properties are relatively consistent over a broad range of conditions, but it's important to note that its refractive index and other optical characteristics can vary based on its form—be it bulk, thin film, or nanoparticle. Given its unique attributes and versatility, gold remains an invaluable material in both classical and cutting-edge optical technologies.
Other names: Gold, gold
Also listed in
API: /v1/materials/mat_3b9a9c971413 · slug au