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Aspect Ratio Controls Hot-Carrier Generation in Gold Nanobricks
Simão M João1, Ottavio Bassano1, Johannes Lischner1,2
1Department of Materials, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
Summary
Hot carrier generation in gold nanobricks is sensitive to shape. Flatter nanobricks produce more energetic electrons, while elongated ones depend on light polarization for hot carrier generation.
Area of Science:
- Plasmonics
- Nanophotonics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Metallic nanoparticles generate energetic carriers via localized surface plasmon decay.
- These hot carriers are crucial for photocatalysis, photovoltaics, and sensing.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate hot carrier generation in brick-shaped gold nanoparticles.
- Understand the influence of nanobrick geometry and light polarization on hot carrier production.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a modeling approach combining Maxwell's equations and large-scale tight-binding simulations.
- Evaluated hot carrier generation rates using Fermi's Golden Rule.
Main Results:
- Hot carrier generation strongly depends on the nanobrick aspect ratio.
- Flatter nanobricks yield numerous energetic electrons regardless of light polarization.
- Elongated nanobricks show polarization-dependent hot carrier generation.
Conclusions:
- Nanobrick geometry is a key factor in controlling hot carrier generation.
- Tailoring nanobrick shape can optimize hot carrier properties for specific applications like photocatalysis and photovoltaics.
