SEMICLASSICAL APPROACH TO SURFACE-PLASMONS IN SPHEROIDAL CLUSTERS

The linearized Vlasov equation gives a semiclassical version of the ra ndom phase approximation. The solution of this equation is studied for electrons moving in a deformed equilibrium mean field which is approx imated by a cavity of a. spheroidal shape (both prolate and oblate). C ontrary to spherical systems, there is a coupling between excitations of different multipolarity induced by the interaction between constitu ents. The dipole response presents a typical double-peaked profile wit h a strong dependence on the deformation.