We propagate the quantum mechanical density matrix, including dephasing, spontaneous emission and dissipation to study systems composed of two, three or four quantum dots in proximity to a plasmonic system when exposed to an ultrafast optical pulse [1].  The plasmonic system could be a single metal nanoparticle or an array of metal nanoparticles or some other plasmonic structure and serves to enhance the local electric fields that arise due to the pulse.  We have previously studied a single quantum dot interacting with a plasmonic system and demonstrated how Fano resonances in tra

Small metal cluster systems have been investigated and have shown great potential for applications in catalysis, sensing, as well as for biophysical processes. This talk will discuss our recent nonlinear optical and time-resolved ultra-fast measurements of both gold and silver small metal clusters. The mechanism of the basic excitations in these smaller cluster systems will be discussed and compared to larger nanoparticles. The use of these clusters for applications in nonlinear optics as well as in phototherapy will be illustrated.