Giant plasmonic bubbles nucleation under different ambient pressures

Area of Science:

• Nanophotonics
• Thermodynamics
• Phase Transitions

Background:

• Laser irradiation of gold nanoparticles in water induces plasmonic bubble nucleation.
• Plasmonic bubbles are transient vapor formations with potential applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate the light-vapor conversion efficiency (η) of plasmonic bubbles.
• To determine the influence of ambient pressure on bubble formation efficiency.
• To understand the underlying physical mechanisms governing plasmonic bubble dynamics.

Main Methods:

• Experimental investigation of plasmonic bubble formation under varying ambient pressures.
• Quantitative measurement of light-vapor conversion efficiency (η).
• Theoretical modeling using thermal diffusion and phase transition dynamics.

Main Results:

• Light-vapor conversion efficiency (η) can reach up to 25%.
• Vaporized water scales linearly with laser energy initially, then levels off.
• Efficiency (η) decreases significantly with increasing ambient pressure.

Conclusions:

• Ambient pressure is a critical factor influencing plasmonic bubble formation efficiency.
• The observed phenomena are quantitatively explained by thermal diffusion and phase transition theory.
• This study provides a framework for understanding and controlling laser-induced vapor generation.