Physics Commons^™

Optical Properties Of Photopolymer Layers Doped With Aluminophosphate Nanocrystals, Elsa Leite, Tzvetanka Babeva, E Ng, Vincent Toal, Svetlana Mintova, Izabela Naydenova

Articles

The optical properties of photopolymer layers consisting of an acrylamide–based matrix and microporous aluminophosphate nanocrystals of AEI- type are investigated. The compatibility of the photopolymer doped with the nanoparticles is studied. The surface and volume properties of the layers with different levels of doping with microporous nanocrystals are characterized. The effective refractive indices and absorption coefficients of the doped photopolymer layers are determined and used to calculate the refractive index and porosity of pure AEI nanoparticles used as dopants. Volume transmission gratings were recorded in the doped photopolymer layers at different spatial frequencies. By spatial monitoring of the characteristic Raman …

Theoretical Study Of Localized Surface Plasmons Of Metal Nanoparticles, Clusters And Embedded Metal Nanoparticles In Matrices, Masoud Shabani Nezhad Navrood

Dissertations

Localized surface plasmons resonances (LSPRs) in metallic nanoparticles (NPs) arise from the interactions between incident light and conduction electrons and have attracted enormous research interest in recent years both for their fundamental nature as well as applications in interdisciplinary areas of sciences such as biological imaging, plasmonic photo-thermal therapy, photovoltaics, and plasmonic sensors. LSPRs are strongly localized and depend on the shape, size, the composition of the NPs, the polarization direction of the incident light, refractive index (RI) of the surrounding medium as well as on the chemical environment that surrounded NPs. Although significant research has progressed both theoretically and …

Impact Of High-Order Surface Plasmon Modes Of Metal Nanoparticles On Enhancement Of Optical Emission, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, C. C. Yang

Physics Faculty Publications

We consider the impact of high-order surface plasmon modes supported by the metal nanoparticles on the efficiency enhancement of optical emission. Using the example of Au nanosphere embedded in the GaN dielectric, we show that for an emitter with certain original radiative efficiency, placing the emitter too close to the metal sphere does not always produce additional enhancement. Thus our model provides analytical treatment of the luminescence quenching and can be used to optimize both nanoparticle size and its separation from the emitter to yield maximum enhancement.

Plasmonic Enhancement Of Forster Energy Transfer Between Two Molecules In The Vicinity Of A Metallic Nanoparticle: Nonlocal Optical Effects, P.T. Leung, H. Y. Xie, H. Y. Chung, D. P. Tsai

Physics Faculty Publications and Presentations

The problem of Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between two molecules in the vicinity of a metallic nanoparticle such as a nanoshell is studied within a phenomenological model which takes into account the nonlocal optical response of the metal. This model allows for arbitrary locations and orientations of the two molecular dipoles with respect to the metal particle which can be of ultrasmall sizes (nm) and for which nonlocal effects are of high significance. In particular, for the nanoshell case, the molecules can be located both outside, both inside, or one inside and one outside the shell. Also, the case …

Effect Of Cosb3 Nanoparticles On The Thermoelectric Properties Of Filled And Unfilled Cosb3 Skutterudites, Paola Alboni

All Dissertations

This study explores the possibility of somewhat decoupling the electrical and thermal conduction, thereby being able to limit the thermal conduction while minimizing the effect on the electrical conduction. The approach is using a nanoparticle layer with a slight compositional mismatch as compared to the bulk skutterudite. A hydrothermal nanoparticle-plating technique has been employed to grow a layer of CoSb₃ nanoparticles on the surface of skutterudite bulk matrix grains. Skutterudites of various forms were fabricated and studied in order to assess the effect of this nano-plated layer as a viable method in the improvement of thermoelectric properties of CoSb …

Impact Of Disorder On Surface Plasmons In Two-Dimensional Arrays Of Metal Nanoparticles, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun

Physics Faculty Publications

We study the impact of disorder on the properties of surface plasmons (SP) in metal nanoparticle arrays and develop analytical expressions enabling us to ascertain the degree of localization and mixing between the SP states. We show that it might be advantageous to intentionally introduce a certain degree of disorder in order to engineer the improved sensors and detectors.

Practical Enhancement Of Photoluminescence By Metal Nanoparticles, Greg Sun, Jacob B. Khurgin, R. A. Soref

Physics Faculty Publications

We develop a simple yet rigorous theory of the photoluminescence (PL) enhancement in the vicinity of metal nanoparticles. The enhancement takes place during both optical excitation and emission. The strong dependence on the nanoparticle size enables optimization for maximum PL efficiency. Using the example of InGaN quantum dots (QDs) positioned near Ag nanospheres embedded in GaN, we show that strong enhancement can be obtained only for those QDs, atoms, or molecules that are originally inefficient in absorbing as well as in emitting optical energy. We then discuss practical implications for sensor technology.

Practical Limits Of Absorption Enhancement Near Metal Nanoparticles, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref

Physics Faculty Publications

We consider the enhanced absorption of optical radiation by molecules placed in the vicinity of spherical metal nanoparticles in the realistic situation that includes perturbation of the optical field by the absorbing molecules. We show that there is an optimal nanosphere radius that gives the strongest enhancement for each combination of the number of absorbing molecules, their absorption strength, and their distance from the nanosphere surface and that the enhancement is strong only for relatively weak and diluted absorbers.

Swcnt Suppress Inflammatory Mediator Responses In Human Lung Epithelium In Vitro, Eva Herzog, Hugh Byrne, Maria Davoren, Anke-Gabriele Lenz, Albert Duschl, Gertie Janneke Oostingh

Articles

Single walled carbon nanotubes have gained enormous popularity due to a variety of potential applications which will ultimately lead to increased human and environmental exposure to these nanoparticles. This study was carried out in order to evaluate the inflammatory response of immortalised and primary human lung epithelial cells (A549 and NHBE) to single walled carbon nanotube samples (SWCNT). Special focus was placed on the mediating role of lung surfactant on particle toxicity. The toxicity of SWCNT dispersed in cell culture medium was compared to that of nanotubes dispersed in dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC, the main component of lung lining fluid). Exposure was …

Observed Superspin-Glass Behavior In Ni0.5zn0.5fe2o4 Nanoparticles, Antony Adair

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In this investigation we seek to identify the magnetic behavior of Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanoparticles though AC-susceptibility and DC-magnetization measurements. Powder x-ray diffraction was performed to determine the purity and average diameter ( ~ 9nm) of the particles. Aditionally, structure was confirmed by comparison through the International Centre for Diffraction Data's Powder Diffraction File [52] (PDF # 08-0234).

Zero-field cooled and field cooled DC magnetization measurements (bifurcation and blocking temperature), as well as M(H) hysteresis (below and above the blocking temperature) lead us to initially suggest that the material may in fact be superparamagnetic. However, further investigation of the real AC susceptibility …

Research On The Transport And Deposition Of Nanoparticles In A Rotating Curved Pipe, Jianzhong Lin, Peifeng Lin, Huajun Chen

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

A finite-volume code and the SIMPLE scheme are used to study the transport and deposition of nanoparticles in a rotating curved pipe for different angular velocities, Dean numbers, and Schmidt numbers. The results show that when the Schmidt number is small, the nanoparticle distributions are mostly determined by the axial velocity. When the Schmidt number is many orders of magnitude larger than 1, the secondary flow will dominate the nanoparticle distribution. When the pipe corotates, the distribution of nanoparticle mass fraction is similar to that for the stationary case. There is a “hot spot” deposition region near the outside edge …

In-Situ Gas Phase Catalytic Properties Of Metal Nanoparticles, Luis Ono

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent advances in surface science technology have opened new opportunities for atomic scale studies in the field of nanoparticle (NP) catalysis. The 2007 Nobel Prize of Chemistry awarded to Prof. G. Ertl, a pioneer in introducing surface science techniques to the field of heterogeneous catalysis, shows the importance of the field and revealed some of the fundamental processes of how chemical reactions take place at extended surfaces. However, after several decades of intense research, fundamental understanding on the factors that dominate the activity, selectivity, and stability (life-time) of nanoscale catalysts are still not well understood. This dissertation aims to explore …

Nanoparticle Aggregation And Relaxation Effects In Ferrofluids: Studied Through Anisotropic Light Scattering, Corneliu Rablau, Prem Vaishnava, Sudakar Chandran, Ronald Tackett, Gavin Lawes, Ratna Naik

Physics Publications

We have investigated the aggregation and dissociation dynamics of 6-nm size Fe3O4 nanoparticles coated by tetra methyl ammonium hydroxide (TMAH) and the same size γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles precipitated inside an alginate hydrogel matrix, both in aqueous suspensions, using dc magnetic-field-induced time-dependent light scattering patterns. For the Fe3O4 ferrofluid, a strong anisotropy in light scattering was observed for light propagating perpendicular to the magnetic field. This behavior is attributed to the aggregation of the nanoparticles into chain-like and column-like structures oriented parallel to the magnetic field. A significantly different behavior is observed for the aqueous suspension of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles precipitated in alginate …

Electroluminescence Efficiency Enhancement Using Metal Nanoparticles, Jacob B. Khurgin, Greg Sun, R. A. Soref

Physics Faculty Publications

We apply the “effective mode volume” theory to evaluate enhancement of the electroluminescence efficiency of semiconductor emitters placed in the vicinity of isolated metal nanoparticles and their arrays. Using the example of an InGaN/GaN quantum-well active region positioned in close proximity to Ag nanospheres, we show that while the enhancement due to isolated metal nanoparticles is large, only modest enhancement can be obtained with ordered array of those particles. We further conclude that random assembly of isolated particles holds an advantage over the ordered arrays for light emitting devices of finite area.

High Thermal Stability Of Carbon-Coated L10-Fept Nanoparticles Prepared By Salt-Matrix Annealing, Vikas Nandwana, Chuan-Bing Rong, Narayan Poudyal, Girija S. Chaubey, Yuzi Liu, Y.Q. Wu, M.J. Kramer, M.E. Kozlov, Ray H. Baughman, J. Ping Liu

Physics Faculty Publications - Archive

Monodisperse L10-FePt nanoparticles with size ranging from 3 to 8 nm were prepared by the salt-matrix annealing method. It was observed that the annealed particles have high thermal stability—no sintering occurred even when the particles were heated at 1100 °C for an hour. This high thermal stability resulted from carbon coating of the particles during salt-matrix annealing as consequence of decomposition of surfactants.

Exafs Characterization Of Dendrimer‐Derived Pt/Γ‐Al2O3, A. Siani, Oleg S. Alexeev, Christopher T. Williams, Harry J. Ploehn, Michael D. Amiridis

Faculty Publications

The various steps involved in the preparation of a Pt/γ‐Al₂O₃ material using hydroxyl‐terminated generation four (G4OH) PAMAM dendrimers as templates were monitored by EXAFS. The results indicate that Cl ligands in the Pt precursors (H₂PtCl₆ and K₂PtCl₄) were partially replaced by aquo ligands upon hydrolysis to form [PtCl₃(H₂O)₃]⁺ and [PtCl₂(H₂O)₂] species. After interaction of such species with G4OH, Cl ligands from the first coordination shell of Pt were further replaced by nitrogen atoms from the dendrimer interior, …

Reactivity And Sintering Kinetics Of Au/Tio2(110) Model Catalysts: Particle Size Effects, Stephen C. Parker, Charles T. Campbell

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Work

We review here our studies of the reactivity and sintering kinetics of model catalysts consisting of gold nanoparticles dispersed on TiO2(110). First, the nucleation and growth of vapor-deposited gold on this surface was experimentally examined using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and low energy ion scattering. Gold initially grows as two-dimensional islands up to a critical coverage, hcr, after which 3D gold nanoparticles grow. The results at different temperatures are fitted well with a kinetic model, which includes various energetic parameters for Au adatom migration. Oxygen was dosed onto the resulting gold nanoparticles using a hot filament technique. The desorption energy of …

Nonextensivity In Magnetic Nanoparticle Ensembles, Christian Binek, Srinivas Polisetty, Xi He, Tathagata Mukherjee, Rajasekaran Rajesh, Jody G. Redepenning

Department of Physics and Astronomy: Faculty Publications

A superconducting quantum interference device and Faraday rotation technique are used to study dipolar interacting nanoparticles embedded in a polystyrene matrix. Magnetization isotherms are measured for three cylindrically shaped samples of constant diameter but various heights. Detailed analysis of the isotherms supports Tsallis' conjecture of a magnetic equation of state that involves temperature and magnetic field variables scaled by the logarithm of the number of magnetic nanoparticles. This unusual scaling of thermodynamic variables, which are conventionally considered to be intensive, originates from the nonextensivity of the Gibbs free energy in three-dimensional dipolar interacting particle ensembles. Our experimental evidence for nonextensivity …

Compositional Stability Of Fept Nanoparticles On Sio2/Si During Annealing, Richard R. Vanfleet, B. Yao, R. V. Petrova, K. R. Coffey

Faculty Publications

The loss of Fe due to oxidation or diffusion into the substrate can prevent the successful preparation of well-ordered, stoichiometric, FePt nanoparticles. In this work we report the composition changes during annealing observed for small (<10 nm) FePt nanoparticles on thermally grown SiO2 layers on Si wafer substrates. Additionally, we describe the use of a controlled reducing gas mixture, Ar+H2+H2O, to reduce the loss of Fe.

Carrier Dynamics In Α‐Fe2o3 (0001) Thin Films And Single Crystals Probed By Femtosecond Transient Absorption And Reflectivity, Alan G. Joly, Joshua R. Williams, Scott A. Chambers, Gang Xiong, Wayne P. Hess, David M. Laman

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

Femtosecond transient reflectivity and absorption are used to measure the carrier lifetimes in α‐Fe₂O₃ thin films and single crystals. The results from the thin films show that initially excited hot electrons relax to the band edge within 300 fs and then recombine with holes or trap within 5 ps. The trapped electrons have a lifetime of hundreds of picoseconds. Transient reflectivity measurements from hematite (α‐Fe₂O₃)single crystals show similar but slightly faster dynamics leading to the conclusion that the short carrier lifetimes in these materials are due primarily to trapping to Fe d- …

Nanometal Containing Nanocomposites And Photolithographic Polyaniline Nanofibers, Frank D. Blum, Sunil K. Pillalamarri, Lalani K. Werake, J. Greg Story, Massimo F. Bertino, Akira Tokuhiro

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

A report on recent progress from our laboratories on the nanostructures produced from novel synthesis techniques will be discussed. Using high-energy radiation (γ-rays) we have been able to produce conducting polymer nanofibers and nanorods of polyaniline and polypyrrole without the use of a separate template or capping agent. This technique has been extended, with the addition of metal ions, to a "one pot" synthesis, producing conducting nanocomposites. These nanocomposites contain metal nanoparticles which decorate the conducting nanofibers. We have also recently shown that these systems can be photopatterned to produce novel structures. We believe that these systems will be useful …

Application Of Microgels For Optical Tagging, J. Michael Carthcart, L. Andrew Lyon, Marcus Weck, Robert D. Bock

Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Books and Book Chapters

In this paper we present results from our research into the use of microgel-based photonic crystals in an optical tagging application. The basis for this research is the phenomena of self-assembly of hydrogel nano- and microparticles (i.e., microgels) into colloidal crystal Bragg reflectors. Previous research has demonstrated the assembly of Bragg structures that are sensitive in the visible spectral region. This current research focuses on the extension of this process into the infrared regime and the use of these infrared-sensitive structures in the creation of an optical tag. In particular, the research effort emphasizes two primary areas: the development of …

Au Nanoparticle Clusters: A New System To Model Hopping Conduction, Ç. Kurdak, J. Kim, L. A. Farina, K. M. Lewis, X. Bai, M. P. Rowe, A. J. Matzger

Turkish Journal of Physics

We study electrical transport through self-assembled Au nanoparticle clusters which can be viewed as a new model system to study hopping transport. The physics of such systems is governed by two parameters: the charging energy and tunnel coupling between the particles. The charging energy is determined by the size of the nanoparticles. When the diameter of the nanoparticles is less than 4-5 nm the charging energy is large enough that Coulomb blockade effects were observed in electrical transport even at room temperature. The magnitude of the tunnel coupling between the particles was determined by the thiol coating used. To study …

Synthesis And Magnetic Properties Of Copt–Poly(Methylmethacrylate) Nanostructured Composite Material, Jiye Fang, Kevin L. Stokes, Jibao He, Weillie L. Zhou, Charles J. O'Connor, Daniela Caruntu

Physics Faculty Publications

We have prepared nanometer-sized CoPt particles dispersed in a poly~methyl methacrylate~PMMA!matrix, as a novel nanostructured magnetic plastic, through a soft chemical processing route. In this work, CoPt nanoparticles were successfully synthesized from a solution phase reduction system in the presence of capping ligands and stabilizing agents at high temperature. The CoPt nanoparticles were annealed at 400 °C for 3 h, and were subsequently re-dispersed inmethylmethacrylate~monomer! . The polymerization was induced by a UV source and the hardness of final product was adjusted by varying the amount of monomeric cross-link agent. Annealed bare CoPt nanoparticles as a ‘‘core’’ material and CoPt–PMMA …

Superspin Glass Behaviour Of Interacting Ferromagnetic Nanoparticles In Discontinuous Magnetic Multilayers, Christian Binek

Christian Binek Publications

Discontinuous magnetic multilayers [Co80Fe20(t)/Al2O3(3nm)]10 with t = 0.9 and 1.0nm are studied by SQUID magnetometry and ac susceptibility. Owing to dipolar interaction the superparamagnetic cluster systems undergo collective glass-like freezing upon cooling. While both samples exhibit very similar glass temperatures Tg » 45 K and critical exponents zn » 10 and g » 1.4 as obtained from the temperature dependencies of the relaxation time, t, and the nonlinear susceptibility, c3, dynamical scaling reveals different critical exponents, b(0.9nm) »1.0 and b(1.0nm) » 0.6, respectively.