Controlling the synthesis and assembly of silver nanostructures for plasmonic applications

Extensive research into plasmonic nanostructures has proven them to be a powerful platform for the manipulation of light. Ag is chosen as one metal for light manipulation due to its strong optical response and low cost. Novel Ag nanostructures are being synthesized due to their physical features such as size and shape that are some of the most powerful handles for controlling and manipulating the plasmonic response of these materials. By controlling the interaction between Ag nanoparticles through careful placement on a surface or formation of chemical bonds between particles in solution, it is possible to generate complex structures with plasmonic properties even more favorable than are possible with single particles for some applications. Scientists are also motivated by the ability of these materials to guide propagating surface plasmons (PSP) and to efficiently concentrate light into nanosized volumes.