Finite-difference time-domain simulation of light induced charge dynamics in silver nanoparticles

We use a finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) approach to describe and control light-induced charge dynamics via two constructs consisting of nanoscale silver cylinders. The charge dynamics is found to be significantly different from the energy dynamics intensively studied in the past in similar systems. It is shown that two-color sources with a tunable relative phase introduce the opportunity to control the charge dynamics via a simple and interesting control mechanism, namely, the time evolution of the charge is directly tied to the instantaneous value of the source fields. Hence, our ability to shape laser pulses and tailor their relative phases and amplitudes translates directly into the possibility of manipulating charge oscillations within metal nanoparticle arrays.