Coherent Vibrational Dynamics of Au₁₄₄(SC₈H₉)₆₀ Nanoclusters

The coherent vibrational dynamics of Au₁₄₄(SC₈H₉)₆₀, obtained from femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy, are described. Two acoustic modes were identified and assigned, including 2.0 THz breathing and 0.7 THz quadrupolar vibrations. These assignments are consistent with predictions using classical mechanics models, indicating that bulk models accurately describe the vibrational properties of Au₁₄₄(SC₈H₉)₆₀. Coherent phonon signals were persistent for up to 3 ps, indicating energy dissipation by the nanocluster was the primary dephasing channel. The initial excitation phases of the breathing and quadrupolar modes were π-phase-shifted, reflecting differences in the displacive nuclear motion of the vibrations. The combined agreement of the vibrational frequencies, relative phases, and decoherence times supported predictions based on classical models. The vibrational frequencies were insensitive to silver substitution for gold but did show increased inhomogeneous damping of the coherent phonons. The ability to predict the vibrational properties of metal nanoclusters can have an impact on nanoresonator and mass sensing technologies.