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Abstract
Maximum absorption of light using plasmonic perfect absorbers (PPAs) is highly desired in the field of energy harvesting. We reveal how optical properties of several
popular metals and insulators are affecting performance of PPAs at mid-infrared (IR) wavelengths. Optical properties of experimentally prepared (by plasma sputtering) structures follow expected scalings, however, departure from the finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulations are significant when roughness of the first metal baselayer is not taken into account. Electrical conductivity is shown to strongly affect
performance of PPAs.
