T-matrix method in plasmonics: An overview

Optical properties of isolated and coupled plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) are of great interest for many applications in nanophotonics, nanobiotechnology, and nanomedicine owing to rapid progress in fabrication, characterization, and surface functionalization technologies. To simulate optical responses from plasmonic nanostructures, various electromagnetic analytical and numerical methods have been adapted, tested, and used during the past two decades. Currently, the most popular numerical techniques are those that do not suffer from geometrical and composition limitations, e.g., the discrete dipole approximation (DDA), the boundary (finite) element method (BEM, FEM), the finite difference time domain method (FDTDM), and others. However, the T-matrix method still has its own niche in plasmonic science because of its great numerical efficiency, especially for systems with randomly oriented particles and clusters. In this review, I consider the application of the T-matrix method to various plasmonic problems, including dipolar, multipolar, and anisotropic properties of metal NPs; sensing applications; surface enhanced Raman scattering; optics of 1D−3D nanoparticle assemblies; plasmonic particles and clusters near and on substrates; and manipulation of plasmonic NPs with laser tweezers.

► Optical properties of isolated and coupled plasmonic nanoparticles are considered. ► The T-matrix method has a well-defined niche in plasmonic science. ► Applications of the T-matrix method to various plasmonic problems are reviewed.