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Updated: Mar 24, 2026
08:54
Performing Spectroscopy on Plasmonic Nanoparticles with Transmission-Based Nomarski-Type Differential Interference Contrast Microscopy
Published on: June 5, 2019
8.0K
Probing plasmons in three dimensions by combining complementary spectroscopies in a scanning transmission electron
J A Hachtel1, C Marvinney, A Mouti
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vanderbilt University Nashville, TN 37235, USA. Materials Science and Technology Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN 37831, USA.
Nanotechnology
|March 3, 2016
Summary
This study combines electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and cathodoluminescence (CL) to analyze nanoscale plasmonics in 3D. This dual approach offers detailed, nanoparticle-specific insights for nanoplasmonic device design.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Plasmonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Surface plasmons in 3D metallic nanostructures are crucial for nanotechnology applications.
- Precise control over plasmonic elements' spatial and spectral characteristics dictates device performance.
- Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and cathodoluminescence (CL) are established nanoscale plasmonics characterization tools.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the synergistic use of EELS and CL for comprehensive 3D nanoscale plasmonic analysis.
- To overcome limitations of using EELS or CL independently for 3D reconstructions.
- To enable detailed, nanoparticle-by-nanoparticle characterization of plasmonic properties.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing a scanning transmission electron microscope equipped for both EELS and CL.
- Employing EELS to probe beam-induced electronic excitations.
- Employing CL to investigate radiative decay processes.
Main Results:
- Achieved direct, spatially- and spectrally-resolved 3D imaging of plasmonic characteristics.
- Successfully combined complementary information from EELS and CL.
- Enabled detailed analysis of individual nanoparticles' plasmonic behavior.
Conclusions:
- The combined EELS-CL approach provides a powerful method for 3D plasmonic analysis.
- This technique facilitates a deeper understanding of nanostructure plasmonics.
- The findings will aid in the rational design of advanced nanoplasmonic devices.
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