Enhanced UV Emission from ZnO on Silver Nanoparticle Arrays by the Surface Plasmon Resonance Effect

Periodical silver nanoparticle (NP) arrays were fabricated by magnetron sputtering method with anodic aluminum oxide templates to enhance the UV light emission from ZnO by the surface plasmon resonance effect. Theoretical simulations indicated that the surface plasmon resonance wavelength depended on the diameter and space of Ag NP arrays. By introducing Ag NP arrays with the diameter of 40 nm and space of 100 nm, the photoluminescence intensity of the near band-edge emission from ZnO was twofold enhanced. Time-resolved photoluminescence measurement and energy band analysis indicated that the UV light emission enhancement was attributed to the coupling between the surface plasmons in Ag NP arrays and the excitons in ZnO with the improved spontaneous emission rate and enhanced local electromagnetic fields.

Automated summary

Periodical silver nanoparticle arrays were fabricated by magnetron sputtering method on anodic aluminum oxide templates to enhance the UV light emission from ZnO through surface plasmon resonance effect. Theoretical simulations showed that the surface plasmon resonance wavelength depended on the diameter and space of Ag NP arrays. By introducing Ag NP arrays with specific diameter and space, the near band-edge emission intensity from ZnO was doubled. Time-resolved photoluminescence measurement and energy band analysis indicated that the enhancement was due to coupling between surface plasmons in Ag NP arrays and excitons in ZnO, resulting in improved spontaneous emission rate and enhanced local electromagnetic fields.