Self-consistent calculation of the eigenfrequencies for the electronic excitations in small jellium spheres

Abstract

The time-dependent local-density approximation is used to formulate the eigenvalue problem for the electronic excitations of small jellium spheres. These spheres provide a model system for the investigation of the response of the conduction electrons in small metal particles. The dynamic response of the sphere to a time-dependent field is continued to complex frequency in order to isolate the eigenmodes of this model system. We are particularly interested in the determination of the frequencies for the collective excitations of these spheres. Computations are reported for the dipolar response of spheres with closed-shell electronic configurations containing from 8 to 198 electrons.