Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2014

Publication Source

Physical Review A

Abstract

Our theoretical examination of second- and third-harmonic generation from metal-based nanostructures predicts that nonlocal and quantum-tunneling phenomena can significantly exceed expectations based solely on local, classical electromagnetism. Mindful that the diameter of typical transition-metal atoms is approximately 3 Å, we adopt a theoretical model that treats nanometer-size features and/or subnanometer-size gaps or spacers by taking into account (i) the limits imposed by atomic size to fulfill the requirements of continuum electrodynamics, (ii) spillage of the nearly free electron cloud into the surrounding vacuum, and (iii) the increased probability of quantum tunneling as objects are placed in close proximity.

Our approach also includes the treatment of bound charges, which add crucial, dynamical components to the dielectric constant that are neglected in the conventional hydrodynamic model, especially in the visible and UV ranges, where interband transitions are important. The model attempts to inject into the classical electrodynamic picture a simple, perhaps more realistic description of the metal surface by incorporating a thin patina of free electrons that screens an internal, polarizable medium.

Inclusive pages

013831-1 to 013831-8

ISBN/ISSN

1050-2947

Document Version

Published Version

Comments

This document is provided for download in compliance with the publisher's policy on self-archiving. Permission documentation is on file.

Publisher

American Physical Society

Volume

90

Peer Reviewed

yes

Issue

1

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