Optimized plasmonic nanoparticle distributions for solar spectrum harvesting

The large optical cross sections of metallic nanoparticles at wavelengths corresponding to their plasmon resonance make them highly attractive for harvesting solar energy for a variety of applications. Here the authors determine ideal distributions of spherical metallic nanoparticles, both nanospheres and nanoshells, that match the AM 1.5 solar spectrum in a mixed component, submonolayer geometry. Both absorbing and scattering distributions are determined and their properties compared to conventional broad spectrum absorbing and scattering media. (c) 2006 American Institute of Physics.