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Plasmon coupling between silver nanoparticles: Transition from the classical to the quantum regime
Hoon Cha1, Daedu Lee1, Jun Hee Yoon1
1Department of Chemistry, Dankook University, 152 Jukjeon-ro, Suji-gu, Yongin, Gyeonggi 448-701, Republic of Korea.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|November 26, 2015
Summary
We observed plasmon coupling in silver nanoparticle (AgNP) dimers. As nanoparticles approach, classical effects dominate, but quantum effects emerge at subnanometer gaps, revealing a transition in plasmon behavior.
Area of Science:
- Plasmonics
- Nanotechnology
- Quantum Mechanics
Background:
- Plasmon coupling in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is crucial for sensing and optical applications.
- Understanding nanoparticle interactions at the nanoscale is key to controlling their optical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate plasmon coupling in AgNP dimers at subnanometer distances.
- To observe the transition from classical to quantum regimes in plasmon coupling.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized AgNP dimers with controlled subnanometer interparticle distances using alkanedithiol linkers.
- Measured optical properties of AgNP dimers.
- Performed finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations.
Main Results:
- Observed a gradual redshift in the longitudinal plasmon coupling band as interparticle distance decreased, consistent with classical electromagnetism.
- Noticed a drastic change around 1 nm, with band vanishing and a new band appearing.
- Identified a crossover to a blueshift at ~0.7 nm, attributed to quantum effects.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated controlled assembly of AgNP dimers to probe plasmon coupling.
- Provided experimental evidence for the transition from classical to quantum regimes in plasmon coupling at the ensemble level.
