N-block separable random phase approximation: dipole oscillations in sodium clusters and fullerene

Abstract

We generalize the schematic model based on the Random Phase Approximation (RPA) with separable interaction, to a collection of subspaces of ph excitations which interact with different coupling constants. This ansatz notably lowers the numerical effort involved, by reducing the RPA eigenvalue problem to a finite small dimensional system of equation. We derive the associated dispersion relation and the normalization condition for the newly defined unknowns of the system. In contrast with the standard separable approach, the present formalism is able to describe more than one collective excitation even in the degenerate limit, giving also access to the nature of the resonance. The theoretical framework is tested investigating the dipolar oscillations in various neutral and singly charged sodium clusters and C60 fullerene with results in good agreement with full RPA calculations and experimental data. It is proven that the 40 eV resonance present in photoabsorption spectra of C60 is a localized surface plasmon.