Optical absorption of simple liquid metals

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Abstract
The optical absorption of simple liquid metals such as the alkali metals is derived assuming a weak effective electron-ion interaction. For small frequencies (ie h(cross) omega / epsilon F<>1) the classical Drude formula is found with a frequency independent relaxation time. This constant relaxation time is given by the well known Ziman formula, used in the calculation of the resistivity of liquid metals. In this sense the present theory can be regarded as an extension of the Ziman theory (1961). For high frequencies (ie h(cross) omega >or approximately= epsilon F), the relaxation time is frequency dependent and shows appreciable structure arising from collective excitations.