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Updated: May 29, 2026
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Performing Spectroscopy on Plasmonic Nanoparticles with Transmission-Based Nomarski-Type Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy
Published on: June 5, 2019
A Three-Channel Spectrometer for Wide-Field Imaging of Anisotropic Plasmonic Nanoparticles
Christina M Sweeney1, Colleen L Nehl, Warefta Hasan
1Department of Chemistry, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, Illinois 60208-3113.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. C, Nanomaterials and Interfaces
|September 20, 2011
Summary
A novel three-channel spectrometer (3CS) distinguishes large plasmonic nanoparticles by shape and composition. This method enhances imaging for gold and gold-silver nanopyramids and nanostars.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Spectroscopy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Plasmonic nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties dependent on size, shape, and composition.
- Simultaneous characterization of multiple nanoparticles on a surface is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a cost-effective three-channel spectrometer (3CS) for distinguishing large anisotropic plasmonic particles.
- To analyze particle characteristics such as shape, orientation, and composition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a commercial digital camera as the core component of the 3CS.
- Employed band pass filters and polarizers to enhance image contrast.
- Applied the 3CS to analyze gold and gold-silver nanopyramids and gold nanostars.
Main Results:
- Successfully distinguished between tens of large (>100 nm) anisotropic plasmonic particles simultaneously.
- Identified specific orientation and composition characteristics of nanopyramids.
- Determined the orientation of the longest arm for gold nanostars.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3CS system provides a viable method for simultaneous characterization of plasmonic nanoparticles.
- This technique offers enhanced imaging capabilities for diverse nanoparticle structures and compositions.
