Nanorods as wavelength-selective absorption centers in the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum

Nanorods embedded in polymeric capsules are used as wavelength-selective absorption centers to trigger the opening of the capsules and release of their contents upon laser illumination. The figure illustrates that by tuning the position of the surface plasmon peak of the nanorods, the microcapsules can be made sensitive to different wavelengths of light.