Theory of the photon-drag effect in simple metals

We derive and evaluate a quantum mechanical, self-consistent field theory of the photon-drag effect in simple metals. The calculation of the induced voltage across a flat surface illuminated with light is based on a scheme that allows the separate treatment of contributions that depend on bulk or surface response properties. The microscopic theory uses the time-dependent local density-functional approach in a numerical formulation similar to that for second harmonic generation, but incorporates finite damping, The results show a consider able sensitivity to the surface behavior of the responding electrons, with the strength of the surface contribution increased by two orders of magnitude compared to an earlier hydrodynamic estimate.