The collective photothermal effect of silver nanoparticles probed by a microbolometer

Abstract Nanoparticles have become a significant area of research, offering properties that bridge the gap between bulk materials and atomic structures. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), specifically, have shown promise due to their plasmonic properties. Despite extensive studies, capturing the photon-to-heat conversion efficiency of individual nanoparticles has been challenging. Here, we present an approach to determine these properties using an ultra-sensitive bolometer with a power resolution of ≈26 pW. Our investigations reveal that a single AgNP can dissipate power with a magnitude between ≈101.3 fW and ≈205.3 fW, an observation that underscores the potential of these particles for efficient energy conversion. This finding enhances the understanding of AgNPs’ behavior and pushes the field of nanoparticle plasmon physics forward. Therefore, the refined use of such nanoparticles could bring advancements across a range of applications, from high-resolution imaging and advanced spectroscopy to environmental surveillance and innovative medical treatments.