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Plasmonic Properties of Individual Gallium Nanoparticles
Michal Horák1, Vojtěch Čalkovský1,2, Jindřich Mach1,2
1Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Purkyňova 123, 612 00 Brno, Czech Republic.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|February 16, 2023
Summary
Gallium nanoparticles exhibit tunable optical properties based on their size and shape. This research confirms their potential for advanced applications in solar energy harvesting and light emission technologies.
Area of Science:
- Plasmonics
- Nanomaterials Science
- Optical Spectroscopy
Background:
- Gallium nanoparticles are promising plasmonic materials due to their tunable optical properties from UV to NIR.
- Their facile synthesis and stability make them attractive for various applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To experimentally link the shape and size of individual gallium nanoparticles to their optical properties.
- To demonstrate the tunability of localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPR) in gallium nanoparticles.
Main Methods:
- Utilized scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS).
- Grew lens-shaped gallium nanoparticles (10-200 nm) on silicon nitride membranes under ultra-high vacuum.
- Supported experimental measurements with numerical simulations using realistic particle geometries.
Main Results:
- Experimentally confirmed that gallium nanoparticles support localized surface plasmon resonances.
- Demonstrated that the dipole mode of LSPR can be tuned across the UV to NIR spectrum by varying nanoparticle size.
- Validated findings through numerical simulations that accurately model experimental observations.
Conclusions:
- Established a clear correlation between gallium nanoparticle dimensions and their plasmonic behavior.
- Highlighted the potential of gallium nanoparticles for applications in solar energy harvesting and plasmon-enhanced UV emitters.
- Paved the way for future development and application of gallium-based nanostructures.
