Journal
ACS NANO
Volume 14, Issue 4, Pages 4982-4987Publisher
AMER CHEMICAL SOC
DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c01213
Keywords
gold nanoparticles; plasmonics; nanoparticle dimers; nanoparticle coalescence; sintering; optical spectroscopy
Categories
Funding
- UK EPSRC [EP/L027151/1, EU 778616 ANTNAM]
- Leverhulme Trust
- Isaac Newton Trust
- European Commission [7020005]
- Royal Society [URF\R1\180097, RGF\EA\181038]
- EPSRC [EP/L027151/1] Funding Source: UKRI
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The properties of nanoplasmonic structures depend strongly on their geometry, creating the need for high-precision control and characterization. Here, by exploiting the low activation energy of gold atoms on nanoparticle surfaces, we show how laser irradiation reshapes nanoparticle dimers. Time-course dark-field microspectroscopy allows this process to be studied in detail for individual nanostructures. Three regimes are identified: facet growth, formation of a conductive bridge between particles, and bridge growth. Electromagnetic simulations confirm the growth dynamics and allow measurement of bridge diameter, found to be highly reproducible and also self-limiting. Correlations in spectral resonances for the initial and final states give insight into the energy barriers for bridge growth. Dark-field microscopy shows that coalescence of multiple gaps in nanoparticle clusters can be digitally triggered, with each gap closing after discrete increases in irradiation power. Such control is important for light-induced nanowire formation or trimming of electronic and optoelectronic devices.
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