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Nanophotonics. Plasmoelectric potentials in metal nanostructures
Matthew T Sheldon1, Jorik van de Groep2, Ana M Brown1
1Thomas J. Watson Laboratories of Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology, MC 128-95, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|November 15, 2014
Summary
Researchers developed a novel all-metal plasmoelectric device to convert light into electric potential. This metal nanostructure method offers a new pathway for optoelectronic energy conversion, potentially enabling efficient light-to-electricity devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optoelectronics
Background:
- Optical power conversion to electric potential is crucial for energy applications.
- Current methods typically rely on semiconductor materials and optical excitation.
- A need exists for alternative, potentially more efficient, conversion mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an all-metal geometry for converting optical power to electric potential.
- To investigate the use of plasmon resonance in metal nanostructures for this conversion.
- To demonstrate the feasibility of plasmoelectric devices.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of gold nanoparticle arrays on indium tin oxide substrates.
- Fabrication of gold nanostructure arrays (100-nm holes in 20-nm gold films) on glass.
- Monochromatic irradiation of nanostructures and detection of surface potentials.
- Analysis of plasmon resonance effects on potential generation.
Main Results:
- Detection of surface potentials in all-metal nanostructures under monochromatic light.
- Observed negative and positive potentials below and above plasmon resonance, respectively.
- Achieved plasmoelectric surface potentials up to 100 millivolts with 100 mW/cm² illumination.
Conclusions:
- An all-metal plasmoelectric effect was demonstrated using metal nanostructures.
- This method offers a new route for light-to-electrical energy conversion.
- Plasmoelectric devices could lead to novel all-metal optoelectronic applications.
