Anisotropic electrodynamics of layered metal 2H-NbSe2
15 October 2001
We have performed both in-plane and out-of-plane infrared reflectance measurements on the layered metal 2H-NbSe2, in a broad frequency and temperature range. The electrodynamic response for both polarizations is characterized by a well-defined Drude-like absorption. The absolute values of the in-plane scattering rate are in accord with what is expected from Landau's Fermi-liquid theory, despite the fact that the functional form of 1/tau (ab)(omega) differs from canonical omega (2) dependence. Analysis of the scattering rate tensor is suggestive of strong anisotropy of the electron-phonon coupling constant.