Experimental and Theoretical Studies on Ag Nanoparticles with Enhanced Plasmonic Response, Formed Within Al2O3 Thin Films Deposited by Magnetron Sputtering

• DOI: 10.1007/s11468-024-02227-2
• Publication Date: 2024-02-19T15:02:56Z
• Authors: Houssem Eddine Se...; Daniela S. Costa; Manuela Proença; Diana I. Meira; Filipe Vaz; Joel Borges
• Keywords: Cavity magnetron

Abstract Reactive magnetron sputtering was employed to prepare nanocomposite thin films of Ag/Al 2 O 3 , on a glass substrate. The are characterized by the formation Ag nanoparticles embedded in Al matrix, after thermal treatment at 600 °C, which responsible for appearance an outstanding pronounced and narrow localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) band. Electron microscopy analysis also revealed presence larger fractal aggregates film’s surface, broad band absorption. Noteworthily, LSPR maximum remains same position (about 412 nm) concentrations ranging from 23 34 at.%, despite some discernible alterations both intensity width. An optimized film is full transparency non-resonant wavelengths due suppression while maintaining behavior. To better explain plasmonic behavior films, discrete dipole approximation used determine extinction, scattering, absorption efficiencies spheres surrounded cap layer. This allowed ascertain nanostructural features pointing with average sizes order 40 nm.