Charge transfer plasmons: Recent theoretical and experimental developments

The unique property of a charge transfer plasmon (CTP) that emerges in conductively bridged plasmonic nanoparticles makes linked nanosystems suitable candidates for building artificial molecules, nanomotors, sensors, and other optoelectronic devices. In this focused review, we present recent theoretical and experimental developments in fundamentals and applications of CTPs in conductively coupled metallic nanoparticles of various sizes and shapes. The underlying physics of charge transfer in linked nanoparticles with nanometer- and atomic-scale inter-particle gap is described from both classical and quantum mechanical perspectives. In addition, we present a detailed discussion of mechanisms of controlling charge transfer and tuning the corresponding CTP spectra in bridged nanoparticles as functions of junction conductance and nanoparticle parameters. Furthermore, the active control of reversible switching between capacitive and conductive coupling in plasmonic nanoshell particles and dynamic evolution of related plasmon modes are emphasized. Finally, after highlighting the implication of the CTP resonance shift for surface-based sensing applications, we end up with the current challenges and future outlooks of the topic that need to be addressed.