Exact exchange-correlation kernels for optical spectra of model systems

For two prototype systems, we calculate the exact exchange-correlation kernels $f_{\mathrm{xc}}(x,x',\omega)$ of time-dependent density functional theory. $f_{\mathrm{xc}}$, the key quantity for optical absorption spectra of electronic systems, is normally subject to uncontrolled approximation. We find that, up to the first excitation energy, the exact $f_{\mathrm{xc}}$ has weak frequency-dependence and a simple, though non-local, spatial form. For higher excitations, the spatial behavior and frequency-dependence become more complex. The accuracy of the underlying exchange-correlation potential is of crucial importance.