Laser-induced cavitation in plasmonic nanoparticle solutions: A comparative study between gold and titanium nitride

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Laser Physics

Background:

• Gold nanorods (GNR) are widely studied for plasmonic applications.
• Titanium nitride nanoparticles (TiN NPs) are emerging as potential alternatives with unique optical properties.
• Understanding nanoparticle behavior under pulsed laser irradiation is crucial for various applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comparative study of novel TiN NPs and commercial GNR.
• To investigate their optical and physical responses to pulsed laser-induced cavitation.
• To evaluate TiN NPs as potential candidates for high-power laser applications.

Main Methods:

• Dispersion of TiN NPs and GNR in water.
• Exposure to pulsed laser-induced cavitation.
• Optical density, shockwave emission, and bubble formation analysis using shadowgraphy, spatial transmittance modulation, and acoustic measurements.

Main Results:

• TiN NP solutions demonstrated high stability under periodic nanosecond pulsed-laser irradiation.
• TiN NPs exhibited stronger nonlinear absorption compared to GNR.
• Plasma formation was observed at lower laser energies with TiN NPs.

Conclusions:

• TiN NPs offer significant advantages over GNR in terms of stability and nonlinear absorption under laser irradiation.
• These findings highlight TiN NPs as promising materials for high-power laser applications.
• The study suggests potential applications in water treatment, nonlinear signal conversion, and laser-induced cavitation for medical uses.