Plasmon-enhanced sub-wavelength laser ablation: plasmonic nanojets

Area of Science:

• Plasmonics
• Nanoscale physics
• Materials science

Background:

• Plasmonic hotspots are crucial for light-matter interactions.
• Understanding energy dissipation mechanisms in plasmonic nanostructures is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the physical processes occurring within plasmonic hotspots under incident light.
• To elucidate the mechanism behind material ejection from plasmonic hotspots.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical modeling of electron density oscillations.
• Analysis of Ohmic losses and temperature rise in hotspots.
• Simulation of material ejection phenomena.

Main Results:

• Incident light induces electron oscillations and electric current in plasmonic hotspots.
• Ohmic losses lead to temperatures exceeding the material's melting point.
• Nanojet and nanosphere ejection are observed originating from plasmonic hotspots.

Conclusions:

• The study demonstrates a direct link between light-induced plasmonic effects and material ejection.
• Elevated temperatures in hotspots are the primary driver for nanoscale material expulsion.
• Plasmonic hotspots can act as localized sources for generating nanojets and nanospheres.