The optical properties of Ag-TiO2 nanocermet thin films are studied with the aim of
optical filtering applications. Beyond the classical properties of cermets with noble metal
inclusions predicted by the effective medium theories, the optical properties of Ag-TiO2
nanocermets deposited by R.F. co-sputtering are governed by their columnar morphology and
the under-stoichiometry of the TiO2 matrix. A careful experimental analysis of the different
parameters and effects involved in the optical response of these nanocermets is performed
both on TiO2 and Ag-TiO2: film thickness, silver volume fraction, thermal treatments,
oxidation. The influence of these parameters on the surface plasmon resonance and the
infrared transmission of the nanocermet thin films is optimized.