Optimal control of electromagnetic field using metallic nanoclusters
The dielectric properties of metallic nanoclusters in the presence of an applied electromagnetic field are investigated using the non-local linear response theory. In the quantum limit we find a nontrivial dependence of the induced field and charge distributions on the spatial separation between the clusters and on the frequency of the driving field. Using a genetic algorithm, these quantum functionalities are exploited to custom-design sub-wavelength lenses with a frequency-controlled switching capability.