Absorption spectrum of clusters of spheres from the general solution of Maxwell's equations. IV. Proximity, bulk, surface, and shadow effects (in binary clusters)

Abstract

From our solution of Maxwell's equations for aggregates of spherical particles, we answer questions such as: When is a particle isolated, or when can one not distinguish one small particle near or in contact with a larger one? In order to do so, the theory is limited to the dipolar approximation and applied to binary clusters of metallic particles; numerical results are presented specifically for sodium. The dielectric constant contains plasmon effects. A discussion of high-order polar effects is included.