ABSTRACT
In this chapter the physics of the interaction between metallic
systems (bulk, surfaces and nanoparticles) and the electromagnetic
radiation will be considered. The light-matter interaction will be
analyzed for a plane-wave incident field as well as for a dipolar
radiation, which represents the electromagnetic field emitted by
molecules. We will start discussing the Maxwell’s equations, the
dielectric function of metals and the localized surface plasmon
resonances of metallic nanospheres. Then the Green’s function
formalism and the electromagnetic scattering theory will be
introduced. Finally the radiative and non-radiative decay rates of
emitting molecules near metal surfaces and nanoparticles will be
discussed.
