Matrix effects on the optical response of silver nanoclusters

We report absorption spectra for Ag-7, Ag-9, and Ag-11 in an argon matrix grown at a temperature of 28 K and compare them with previous spectra of the same species measured in matrices of argon grown at lower temperatures as well as in neon matrices. We discuss the discrepancies in the light of the matrix crystallinity and show that this leads to an understanding of the influence of the matrix on the optical response of small clusters. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.