Optical and structural properties of ultrathin films on noble metals

Ultrathin layers of noble metals obtained by deposition to the substrate during evaporation in high vacuum represent nanostructured matter. Nanoparticles showing interesting optical properties due to the localized surface plasmons are formed instead of homogenous layer. Optical properties of noble metal nanoparticles are closely related to their size, shape, distribution and dielectric environment. Localized surface plasmon properties may be tailored by changing deposition parameters (amount of material and substrate temperature) or by changing dielectric environment (dielectric layers below and/or above metal nanoparticles). The goal of research was to correlate optical and structural properties of noble metal island films. Results show that different combinations of ultrathin noble metal layers and dielectric layers have a potential for application in novel optical components. Ultrathin layers of noble metals obtained by deposition to the substrate during evaporation in high vacuum represent nanostructured matter. Nanoparticles showing interesting optical properties due to the localized surface plasmons are formed instead of homogenous layer. Optical properties of noble metal nanoparticles are closely related to their size, shape, distribution and dielectric environment. Localized surface plasmon properties may be tailored by changing deposition parameters (amount of material and substrate temperature) or by changing dielectric environment (dielectric layers below and/or above metal nanoparticles). The goal of research was to correlate optical and structural properties of noble metal island films. Results show that different combinations of ultrathin noble metal layers and dielectric layers have a potential for application in novel optical components.