Efektu kuantikoak nanoplasmonikan: Quantum effects in nanoplasmonics

Abstract

In this work, we analyze the quantum phenomena that affect the optical response of small metallic nanoparticles that support plasmonic resonances. First, we review the fundamentals of plasmonics from a classical electromagnetic viewpoint by focusing on Maxwell´s equations, the Drude model of free-electron metals, and the localized surface plasmons sustained by spherical nanoparticles and nanoparticle dimers. Then, we briefly explain the basis of time-dependent density functional theory, which is widely used to account for the quantum nature of the electron dynamics. Finally, we analyze the main quantum effects that strongly modify the plasmonic response of small metallic nanoparticles, namely electron spill-out of the induced charges, surface-enabled Landau damping, and electron tunneling.