Abstract
We have developed a quantitative theory of the collective electromagnetic response of layers of semiconductor nano-rings. The response can be controlled by means of an applied magnetic field through the optical Aharonov-Bohm effect and is ultimately required for the design of composite materials. We demonstrate that the local field is of paramount importance in the description of such layers. The changes in ellipsometric parameters are 2 to 3 orders of magnitude above the detection limit of a modern ellipsometer.