Anomalous light absorption by small particles

Light absorption by a spatially uniform spherical nanoparticle in the vicinity of surface plasmon (polariton) resonances is studied in detail based on the exact Mie solution. It is shown that the maximal absorption is achieved for a particle from weakly dissipating materials and may have very unusual properties. A simple universal formula describing the resonant absorption lineshape as a function of the particle size and its complex dielectric permittivity is obtained. Possible comparison with experiment is discussed. Copyright (C) EPLA, 2011