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Optical properties and oxidation of α-phase Ag-Al thin films
Kaludewa S B De Silva1, Vicki J Keast2, Angus Gentle1
1Institute for Nanoscale Technology, University of Technology Sydney, PO Box 123, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia.
Nanotechnology
|January 27, 2017
Summary
Adding small amounts of aluminum (Al) to silver (Ag) thin films enhances their optical properties for nanophotonic applications. However, higher Al concentrations increase optical loss and cause oxidation, diminishing their suitability.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Optics
Background:
- Silver (Ag) is a key material in nanophotonics due to its plasmonic properties.
- Optimizing Ag-based materials is crucial for advancing nanophotonic device performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Ag-Al thin films as alternatives to pure Ag for nanophotonic applications.
- To understand how Al content influences the optical and structural properties of Ag films.
Main Methods:
- Variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) for material characterization.
- X-ray diffraction and density functional theory for structural and electronic analysis.
- Electromagnetic simulations to model optical properties.
Main Results:
- 1-2 at% Al additions favorably alter the dielectric function of Ag films.
- Higher Al concentrations ( > 2 at%) lead to increased optical loss and absorption edge flattening.
- Al content above 2 at% induces intergranular oxidation, causing a reflectance dip around 500-540 nm.
Conclusions:
- Ag-Al alloys show potential for nanophotonics with optimal Al content (1-2 at%).
- Excessive Al addition compromises optical performance and introduces degradation pathways.
- Careful control of Al concentration is necessary for effective application in nanophotonic devices.
