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Updated: Mar 16, 2026
Synthesis of Near-Infrared Emitting Gold Nanoclusters for Biological Applications
Published on: March 22, 2020
Tunneling-Electron-Induced Light Emission from Single Gold Nanoclusters
Arthur Yu1, Shaowei Li1, Gregory Czap1
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of California , Irvine, California 92697-4575, United States.
This study reveals how tunneling electrons interact with plasmons in nanoscale gold clusters using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). The findings highlight STM
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Nanotechnology
- Plasmonics
Background:
- Investigating electron-plasmon coupling is crucial for understanding nanoscale optical and electronic phenomena.
- Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) offers unique capabilities for probing materials at the atomic scale.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the coupling of tunneling electrons with junction plasmons in gold nanoclusters.
- To explore the electronic and optical properties of nanoscale metallic systems within a tunnel junction.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a scanning tunneling microscope (STM) to monitor light emission.
- Formed gold nanoclusters on an Al2O3 thin film on NiAl (110).
- Employed scanning tunneling spectroscopy (STS) and spatially resolved photon imaging.
Main Results:
- Observed quantum-confined electronic states in gold nanoclusters.
- Identified localized light emission hot spots.
- Demonstrated size-dependent light emission and emission from nanocluster dimers.
Conclusions:
- Coupling of tunneling electrons to junction plasmons is the primary radiative mechanism.
- STM is a powerful tool for characterizing electronic and optical properties of nanoscale metallic systems.
- Confined geometry of the tunnel junction influences these properties.
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