Electronic Properties of Fine Metallic Particles. II. Plasma Resonance Absorption

Abstract

Fine metallic particles exhibit a peak of optical absorption around the frequency of the plasma mode. The absorption is broadened by coupling of the plasma oscillation with the individual electronic states which are quantized in discrete levels. Thus the broadening should not be interpreted as the resistance of free electrons scattered at the surfaces of particles. The quantum-mechanical treatment is described here on the basis of the linear response theory. Existent experimental data are discussed briefly.