Nonlocal Effects in Energy Absorption of Coupled Quantum Dot–Metal Nanoparticle Systems

We theoretically study the optical properties of a hybrid nanostructure consisting of a metal nanoparticle and a semiconductor quantum dot. We derive a closed-form solution for the energy absorption spectra of the hybrid system and investigate the impact of the nonlocal dielectric response of a metal nanoparticle on the energy absorption. The results show significant modification when compared to those obtained with a local dielectric function. More specifically, the magnitude and shape of the energy absorption rate spectra are strongly modified, especially for small interparticle distances and high intensities of an external electric field interacting with the system.