Stretchable array of metal nanodisks on a 3D sinusoidal wavy elastomeric substrate for frequency tunable plasmonics

Area of Science:

• Plasmonics
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Metal nanostructures on elastomeric substrates enable plasmonic frequency tuning via mechanical strain.
• Flexible devices with tunable optical properties are crucial for advanced sensing applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the optical characteristics of plasmonic nanodisks on a 3D sinusoidal wavy elastomeric substrate.
• To demonstrate mechanical control over inter-nanodisk spacing for frequency tunable plasmonic devices.
• To analyze the role of the 3D sinusoidal surface configuration in tunable optical properties.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of dense arrays of plasmonic nanodisks on a low-modulus, high-elongation elastomeric substrate with a 3D sinusoidal wavy surface.
• Measurement and detailed analysis of optical characteristics under mechanical strain.
• Simulation of optical response using the coupled dipole approximation (CDA) method.

Main Results:

• Observed significant shifting of optical resonance peaks in the near-infrared wavelengths upon stretching the flexible device.
• Experimental and simulation results confirmed high tunability of the plasmon resonance frequency.
• The hybrid dipolar mode was the primary observed plasmonic mode.

Conclusions:

• The developed device offers high tunability for shifting optical resonance peaks, driven by mechanical strain.
• The 3D sinusoidal wavy surface configuration effectively controls inter-nanodisk spacing for tunable plasmonics.
• These findings present strong potential for novel soft optical sensors and wearable plasmonic sensors.