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Measurement of Scattering Nonlinearities from a Single Plasmonic Nanoparticle
Published on: January 3, 2016
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Plasmon Response and Electron Dynamics in Charged Metallic Nanoparticles.
Mario Zapata Herrera1,2, Javier Aizpurua2, Andrey K Kazansky2,3
1Departamento de Física, Universidad de los Andes , Bogotá D. C., Colombia.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|February 23, 2016
Summary
Electron dynamics in charged metallic nanoparticles were studied. Charge accumulation on the surface affects plasmon modes, with shifts depending on nanoparticle charge and environment.
Area of Science:
- Computational physics
- Materials science
- Quantum chemistry
Background:
- Metallic nanoparticles exhibit unique optical properties governed by electron behavior.
- Understanding charge dynamics is crucial for controlling nanoparticle functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate electron dynamics and charge accumulation in small, charged metallic nanoparticles using quantum calculations.
- To analyze the impact of charging on plasmon resonances and electron decay processes.
Main Methods:
- Time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) was employed for quantum mechanical calculations.
- Spherical nanoparticle geometry was assumed to model electron dynamics.
Main Results:
- Excess charge localizes at the nanoparticle surface within the screening distance.
- Small frequency shifts in plasmon modes were observed upon charging (blue for positive, red for negative).
- Negatively charged clusters can lose electrons via resonant transfer on femtosecond timescales.
Conclusions:
- Surface chemistry and dielectric environment are essential for interpreting nanoparticle plasmon shifts in electrochemical settings.
- The observed plasmon shifts in charged nanoparticles cannot be fully explained without considering these external factors.
