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Evanescent Field Based Photoacoustics: Optical Property Evaluation at Surfaces
Published on: July 26, 2016
Photoacoustic study of surface plasmons in metals
T Inagaki1, K Kagami, E T Arakawa
1Osaka Kyoiku University, Physics Department, Tennoji, Osaka 543, Japan.
Applied Optics
|April 8, 2010
Summary
This study used photoacoustics to analyze surface plasmon decay in silver films. Researchers quantified nonradiative and radiative relaxations, revealing their relative probabilities.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Surface plasmons are collective electron oscillations on metal surfaces.
- Understanding their decay mechanisms is crucial for plasmonic applications.
- Nonradiative decay pathways significantly influence plasmon lifetime and energy dissipation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the nonradiative decay of surface plasmons in silver thin films.
- To quantitatively separate nonradiative and radiative relaxation processes.
- To determine the relative probabilities of these relaxation pathways.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a photoacoustic technique to probe surface plasmon dynamics.
- Employed attenuated total reflection (ATR) with p-polarized 1.96-eV photons.
- Measured signal amplitudes versus angle of incidence and chopping frequency.
- Performed a 1-D analysis integrating photoacoustic and absorptance data.
Main Results:
- Successfully observed and analyzed the nonradiative decay of surface plasmons.
- Quantified the contributions of nonradiative decay and roughness-assisted radiative relaxation.
- Determined the relative probabilities of these two relaxation channels.
Conclusions:
- The photoacoustic method provides a viable approach to study plasmon decay.
- Nonradiative decay is a significant pathway for surface plasmon relaxation in silver films.
- Roughness-assisted radiative relaxation also plays a role, and its contribution can be quantified.
