Influence of H2 Atmosphere Annealing on Plasmonic Properties of Cu-Containing Silica Films Sputtered on Amorphous Silica

José A. Jiménez, Mariana Sendova

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    1 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    Copper-doped silica films have been deposited on amorphous silica (fused quartz) by magnetron co-sputtering. The resulting films were characterized for copper loading/thickness by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and the optical properties were evaluated by absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopies. The films were subjected to thermal treatment under a 5% H2−95% Ar-reducing atmosphere and further evaluated for surface plasmon resonance (SPR) characteristics. In addition, the occurrence of Cu nanoparticles (NPs) was evaluated by transmission electron microscopy. It is indicated that the films have effective permeability for H2, and consequently, the reduction of ionic copper takes place supporting the nucleation and growth of Cu NPs. Interestingly, along with the increase in absorption intensity of Cu NPs, the processing leads consistently to significant blue shifts in the SPR peaks. Absorption spectra were then simulated by Mie theory calculations for dielectric-embedded Cu NPs in an effort to understand the influence of particle size and medium refractive index on the SPR.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Pages (from-to)967-974
    Number of pages8
    JournalPlasmonics
    Volume15
    Issue number4
    DOIs
    StatePublished - Aug 1 2020

    Keywords

    • Optical materials
    • Surface plasmon resonance
    • Thin films

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Biotechnology
    • Biophysics
    • Biochemistry

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Influence of H2 Atmosphere Annealing on Plasmonic Properties of Cu-Containing Silica Films Sputtered on Amorphous Silica'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this