Quantum extension of Mie's theory in the dipolar approximation

A theoretical mixed classical/quantal model for describing the optical prop erties of free and matrix-embedded metal clusters, based on the time-depend ent local-density approximation, is presented. As compared to the previous models involving an inner or/and an outer:dielectric medium, all the dielec tric effects-screening and absorbing properties-are self consistently calcu lated.;Especially, the interband transitions, which dominate the absorption spectra in the UV spectral range, and the mutual interplay between the con duction and core electron excitations, are correctly taken into account. [S 0163-1829(99)03347-0].