Original scientific paper
Effect of Multimodal Plasmon Resonances on the Optical Properties of Five-pointed Nanostars
Shaoli Zhu
; Institute for Nanoscale Technology, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia; Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Michael Cortie
; Institute for Nanoscale Technology, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia
Idriss Blakey
; Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Abstract
The optical transmission and electric field distribution of plasmonic nanostructures dictate their performance in nano-optics and nano-biosensors. Here, we consider the use of hollow, five-pointed, star-shaped nanostructures made of Al, Ag, Au or Cu. We use simulations based on finite-difference time-domain and the discrete dipole approximation to identify the strongest plasmon resonances in these structures. In particular, we were seeking plasmon resonances within the visible part of the spectrum. The silver pentagrams exhibited the strongest such resonance, at a wavelength of about 530 nm. The visible-light resonances of Au and Cu pentagrams were relatively weaker and red-shifted by about 50 nm. The main resonances of the Al pentagrams were in the ultra-violet. All the nanostars also showed a broad, dipolar-like resonance at about 1000 nm. Surprisingly, the maximum field intensities for the visible light modes were greatest along the flanks of the stars rather than at their tips, whereas those of the dipolar-like modes in the near-infrared were greatest at the tips of the star. These findings have practical implications for sensor design. The inclusion of a conformally hollow interior is beneficial because it provides additional ‘hot spots’.
Keywords
material selection; localized surface plasmon resonances; multimodal resonances; nanostar
Hrčak ID:
142583
URI
Publication date:
1.1.2015.
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