C-axis optical properties of high Tc cuprates

Review is given of the experimental status of interlayer coupling energy in the cuprates. A second c-axis plasmon is identified in the double layer compound Y123 for various dopings. Anomalous transport properties along the c-direction and in the planar directions are compared to model calculations based on anisotropic scattering. An excellent description of the optical data at optimal doping is obtained if anomalously large anisotropy of the scattering rate between cold spots and hot spots is assumed. This raises questions as to the physical meaning of these parameters. 29 refs.