Fluorophore-Induced Plasmonic Current Generation from Copper Nanoparticle Films

We describe the process of generating a fluorophore-induced plasmonic current (FIPC) from copper nanoparticle films. Previous work and the literature have shown that excited near-field fluorophores are able to plasmonically couple with metal nanoparticle films (MNFs), inducing surface plasmons in the films. These induced surface plasmons are then in turn able to generate a directly measurable electrical current across the film. These generated currents have been quantified and detected in noble metal films, such as those made from Ag and Au, but due to the cost of such films, there has been a push to use lower cost materials for FIPC. Previous work has detailed the use of gold, silver, and aluminum films for these purposes, and in this paper, we will subsequently examine the ability of thermally deposited copper films to generate FIPC when in close proximity to excited near-field fluorophores. We report the effects of copper film thickness, the effects of light polarization and solution conductance, and the effects of metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) emission on the generation of plasmonic current.