Optical properties of cluster-matter: Influences of interfaces

Nanostructured material is characterized by its structuring interfaces. Clu ster-matter, i.e. cluster/matrix systems, proved to be a well suited model system to study their electronic properties. The interactions between clust er and matrix induce structural and electronic effects which cause the inte rface to evolve into an extended interlayer. If the particles are metallic and develop a well defined optical Mie resonance, this resonance can be use d to monitor electronic properties of the interlayer with high accuracy. In Part I (Section 2), after a short description of Mie's theory, two simple models concerning the static and the dynamic charge transfer are introduced . The first one results in an electric double-layer and changed conduction electron density in the cluster, while the second reduces, by phase relaxat ion, the lifetime of the Mie resonance. Both effects bear information about the electronic adsorbate states in the interlayer. In Part II (Section 3), data from the experimental investigation of a broad field of novel cluster -matter systems based on Ag-clusters are presented and a discussion closes the talk.