ABSTRACT
In this chapter we discuss the resonances of small particles. Our focus will be on spherical and cylindrical particles where we can develop a detailed analytical approach. The resonances of such small particles have a great influence on their scattering properties. They also play an important part in modifying the density of states nearby and thus play a dominant role in determining the radiation characteristics of atoms and molecules near them. Moreover, since the excitation of these resonances are always associated with large local field enhancements, they find major applications in nonlinear optics for low threshold phenomena as well as in developing novel types of sensors with high resolution.
