Plasmonics for improved photovoltaic devices

Effects of silver nanoparticles with different sizes on photochemical responses of polythiophene-fullerene thin films

Effects of size and coverage density of silver nanoparticles (AgPs) on the fluorescence emission and fluorescence lifetime of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) thin films were investigated. AgPs of 64 nm diameter showed greater effects on the fluorescence decay process of P3HT films as compared with 7 nm AgPs. The fluorescence lifetime (FL) of P3HT decreased from 0.61 to 0.22 ns in the presence of 64 nm AgPs, while no appreciable change (0.60 ns) was seen in the case of 7 nm AgPs. The results suggest that the 64 nm AgPs showed a greater effect on the enhancement of the decay rate of excited P3HT. The photoelectric conversion of thin films consisting of P3HT and phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) was also investigated. AgPs of 7 or 64 nm diameters were first deposited on indium-tin-oxide substrates with controlled surface coverage densities from ~1 to 40%. When the coverage densities of deposited AgPs were ~20% for both 7 and 64 nm, the enhancement of photoelectric conversion efficiency reached maximum. The degree of enhancement in the case of 64 nm AgPs was larger than in the case of 7 nm AgPs.

Direct modification of colloidal hole-masks for locally ordered hetero-assemblies of nanostructures over large areas

We have developed a direct mask modification method applicable in hole-mask nanostructure fabrication. It is demonstrated that by using this technique the size, material, relative location and ordering of individual subunits can be controlled and varied independently to generate hetero-assemblies of nanostructures including chiral structures over large areas.

Transient quantum trapping of fast atoms at surfaces

We report on the experimental observation and theoretical study of the bound state resonances in fast atom diffraction at surfaces. In our studies, the 4He atom beam has been scattered from a high-quality LiF(001) surface at very small grazing incidence angles. In this regime, the reciprocal lattice vector exchange with the surface allows transient trapping of the 0.3-0.5 keV projectiles into the quasistationary states bound by the attractive atom-surface potential well which is only 10 meV deep. Analysis of the linewidths of the calculated and measured resonances reveals that prior to their release, the trapped projectiles preserve their coherence over travel distances along the surface as large as 0.2  μm, while being in average only at some angstroms in front of the last atomic plane.

Graphene-based tunable plasmonic Bragg reflector with a broad bandwidth

We propose and numerically analyze a plasmonic Bragg reflector formed in a graphene waveguide. The results show that the graphene plasmonic Bragg reflector can produce a broadband stopband that can be tuned over a wide wavelength range by a small change in the Fermi energy level of graphene. By introducing a defect into the Bragg reflector, we can achieve a Fabry-Perot-like microcavity with a quality factor of 50 for the defect resonance mode formed in the stopband. The proposed Bragg reflector could be used as a broadband ultrafast tunable integrated filter and a broadband modulator. In addition, the defect microcavity may find applications in graphene-based resonators.

Efficient multiband absorber based on one-dimensional periodic metal-dielectric photonic crystal with a reflective substrate

We propose an efficient multiband absorber comprised of a truncated, one-dimensional periodic metal-dielectric photonic crystal and a reflective substrate. The reflective substrate is essentially an optically thick metallic film. Such a planar device is easier to fabricate compared to absorbers with complicated shapes. For a four-unit cell device, all four of the absorption peaks can be optimized with efficiencies higher than 95 percent. Moreover, those absorption peaks are insensitive to the polarization and incident angle. The influences of the geometrical parameters and the refractive index of the dielectric on the device performance also are discussed. Furthermore, we found that the number of absorption peaks within each photonic band precisely corresponds to the number of unit cells because the truncated photonic crystal lattices select resonant modes. We also show that the total absorption efficiency gradually increases when there are more periods of the metal-dielectric composite layer placed on top of the metallic substrate. We expect this work to have potential applications in solar energy harvesting and thermal emission tailoring.

Optimization of generalized dielectric nanostructures for enhanced light trapping in thin-film photovoltaics via boosting the local density of optical states

Recent work has shown that using a high-index cladding atop a lower-index photovoltaic absorber enables absorption of light beyond the ergodic (4n2) limit. In this paper, we propose a generalized optimization method for deriving optimal geometries that allow for such enhancement. Specifically, we adapted the direct-binary-search algorithm to optimize a complex 2-D multi-layer structure with the explicit goal of increasing photocurrent. We show that such an optimization results in enhancing the local density of optical states in an ultra-thin absorber, which forms a slot-waveguide geometry in the presence of a higher-index overcladding. Numerical simulations confirmed optical absorption approaching 100% and absorption-enhancement beyond the ergodic (4n2) limit for specific spectral bands of interest. Our method provides a direct, intuitive and computationally scalable approach for designing light-trapping nanostructures.

Optical absorption enhancement in 3D silicon oxide nano-sandwich type solar cell

Recent research in the field of photovoltaic and solar cell fabrication has shown the potential to significantly enhance light absorption in thin-film solar cells by using surface texturing and nanostructure coating techniques. In this paper, for the first time, we propose a new method for nano sandwich type thin-film solar cell fabrication by combining the laser amorphization (2nd solar cell generation) and laser nanofibers generation (3rd solar cell generation) techniques. In this novel technique, the crystalline silicon is irradiated by megahertz frequency femtosecond laser pulses under ambient conditions and the multi-layer of amorphorized silicon and nano fibrous layer are generated in the single-step on top of the silicon substrate. Light spectroscopy results show significant enhancement of light absorption in the generated multi layers solar cells (Silicon Oxide nanofibers / thin-film amorphorized silicon). This method is single step and no additional materials are added and both layers of the amorphorized thin-film silicon and three-dimensional (3D) silicon oxide nanofibrous structures are grown on top of the silicon substrate after laser irradiation. Finally, we suggest how to maximize the light trapping and optical absorption of the generated nanofibers/thin-film cells by optimizing the laser pulse duration.

Tailoring surface plasmons of high-density gold nanostar assemblies on metal films for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Plasmonic systems based on metal nanoparticles on a metal film have generated great interest for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) chemical sensors. In this study, we describe the fabrication of ultrasensitive SERS substrates based on high-density gold nanostar assemblies on silver films with tailored surface plasmons, where multiple field enhancements from particle-film and interparticle plasmon couplings and lightening rod effects of sharp tips of nanostars contribute to the enormous Raman enhancements. We show that the interplay between interparticle and particle-film plasmon couplings of high-density gold nanostars (GNSs) on metal and dielectric films as a function of interparticle separation can be tailored to provide maximum SERS effects. We observe that the SERS enhancement factor (EF) of GNSs on a metal film as a function of interparticle separation follows a broken power law function, where the EF increases with the interparticle separation for the strong interparticle coupling range below an interparticle separation of ~0.8 times the GNS size, but decreases for the weak interparticle coupling range (for an interparticle separation of >0.8 times the GNS size). Finally, we demonstrate the use of tailored plasmonic substrates as ultrasensitive SERS chemical sensors with an attomole level of detection capability of 2,4-dinitrotoluene, a model compound of nitroaromatic explosives.

In situ-generated nano-gold plasmon-enhanced photoelectrochemical aptasensing based on carboxylated perylene-functionalized graphene

A novel in situ-generated nanogold plasmon-enhanced photoelectrochemical aptasensor for Hg(2+) ions was fabricated using a perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic acid/graphene (PTCA-GR) heterojunction. The fabricated photoelectrochemical aptasensor was based on thymine-Hg(2+)-thymine coordination chemistry and the plasmonic near-field absorption enhancement effect of the subsequent specific catalytic formation of nanogold. The energetic electrons from the surface plasmons of the nanogold were injected into the LUMO orbit of the organic PTCA semiconductor and then rapidly transferred to the electrode through GR due to the possible Hg(2+)-DNA molecular wires following irradiation with the visible light (λ > 450 nm) and at a bias voltage of 0.2 V. The fabricated aptasensor was linear in its response to the concentration of Hg(2+) ions in the range of 5-500 pmol L(-1), with a detection limit of 2 pmol L(-1). The presence of up to 200-fold greater concentrations of other common metal ions did not interfere with the detection of Hg(2+) ions in an aqueous system, and the results corresponded well with those obtained by ICP-MS. This novel plasmon-enhanced photoelectrochemical aptasensor exhibited good performance with its high sensitivity, good selectivity, low cost, and portable features. The strategy of the localized surface plasmon resonance through the in situ generation of noble metal nanoparticles paves the way for improvements in PEC aptasensor performance.

Polarization-selective excitation of plasmonic resonances in silver nanocube random arrays by optical fiber cladding mode evanescent fields

Silver nanocubes provide polarization resolved enhancement of the evanescent waves of optical fiber cladding modes.

Plasmonic dye-sensitized solar cells incorporated with Au-TiO₂ nanostructures with tailored configurations

We developed plasmonic dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) with tailor-designed Au-TiO₂ nanostructures integrated into the photoanode. Mutually antagonistic Au-TiO₂ core-shell structures supported on SiO₂ spheres (SiO₂@TiO₂@AuNP and SiO₂@AuNP@TiO₂) were prepared and incorporated as additives into the photoanodes of the DSSCs. The DSSCs employing the nanocrystalline-TiO₂ (nc-TiO₂)/SiO₂@TiO₂@AuNP and nc-TiO₂/SiO₂@AuNP@TiO2₂ as photoanodes showed remarkably enhanced power conversion efficiencies up to about 14% and 10%, respectively, with respect to a reference cell containing an nc-TiO₂/SiO₂@TiO₂ photoanode. This can be mainly attributed to the enhanced dye absorption by the intensified near-field effect of AuNPs and plasmon-enhanced photocurrent generation.

New materials for tunable plasmonic colloidal nanocrystals

We present a review on the emerging materials for novel plasmonic colloidal nanocrystals.

Imaging the optical near field in plasmonic nanostructures

Over the past five years, new developments in the field of plasmonics have emerged with the goal of finely tuning a variety of metallic nanostructures to enable a desired function. The use of plasmonics in spectroscopy is of course of great interest, due to large local enhancements in the optical near field confined in the vicinity of a metal nanostructure. For a given metal, such enhancements are dependent on the shape of the structure as well as the optical properties (wavelength, phase, polarization) of the impinging light, offering a large degree of control over the optical and spatial localization of the plasmon resonance. In this focal point, we highlight recent work that aims at revealing the spatial position of the localized plasmon resonances using a variety of optical and non-optical methods.

Enhanced photoluminescence and photoactivity of plasmon sensitized nSiNWs/TiO2 heterostructures

nSiNWs/TiO₂ exhibit improved optical properties due to the surface plasmons of AuNPs, where band gap emission increases at the expense of defect radiation and higher photocurrent as a result of the near field effect combined with subsequent plasmonic energy transfer.

Photothermal response of the plasmonic nanoconglomerates in films assembled by electroless plating

Conversion of light energy to heat by ordered gold nanostructures on a gold film has been investigated.

Out-diffused silver island films for surface-enhanced Raman scattering protected with TiO2 films using atomic layer deposition

We fabricated self-assembled silver nanoisland films using a recently developed technique based on out-diffusion of silver from an ion-exchanged glass substrate in reducing atmosphere. We demonstrate that the position of the surface plasmon resonance of the films depends on the conditions of the film growth. The resonance can be gradually shifted up to 100 nm towards longer wavelengths by using atomic layer deposition of titania, from 3 to 100 nm in thickness, upon the film. Examination of the nanoisland films in surface-enhanced Raman spectrometry showed that, in spite of a drop of the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) signal after the titania spacer deposition, the Raman signal can be observed with spacers up to 7 nm in thickness. Denser nanoisland films show slower decay of the SERS signal with the increase in spacer thickness.

PACS

78.67.Sc (nanoaggregates; nanocomposites); 81.16.Dn (self-assembly); 74.25.nd (Raman and optical spectroscopy).

A novel carbazole–phenothiazine dyad small molecule as a non-fullerene electron acceptor for polymer bulk heterojunction solar cells

A small organic moleculeCSORG5developed as non fullerene acceptor for BHJ solar cells. The device based on P3HT : CSORG5(1 : 1) spin coated from DIO/THF showed high PCE 2.80% compared to spin coated from THF. The PCE has been further increased to 4.16%, when the TiO₂film was inserted between the active layer and Al electrode.

Facile reversible LSPR tuning through additive-induced self-aggregation and dissemination of Ag NPs: role of cyclodextrins and surfactants

An easy and economical protocol for the reversible LSPR tuning of Ag NPs through cyclodextrin-induced self-aggregation and color fading, followed by surfactant-induced dissemination of self-assembly and consequent color reappearance.

Plasmonic heating with near infrared resonance nanodot arrays for multiplexing optofluidic applications

In this work, we show local laser-induced heating in fluids with gold nanodot arrays prepared by electron-beam lithography that cover resonances in the near infrared spectral range from 750 nm to 880 nm.

Bioinspired nanoarchitectonics as emerging drug delivery systems

Bioinspired nanoarchitectonics opens a new era for designing drug delivery systems.

Surface plasmon resonance-induced color-selective Au-peapodded silica nanowire photodetectors with high photoconductive gain

We report the optoelectronic device properties of individual Au-silica hybrid nanowires prepared by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Due to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect the photo-responsivity peak strongly depends on the shape of the embedded gold nanostructures in the silica nanowire in which the shape can be modified by controlling the growth time of Au-silica nanowires. Finite difference time domain (FDTD) simulation shows that the electric field distribution profiles of Au-silica hybrid nanowires support the photo-responsivity spectrum results. The photodetector performance of the Au-NPs@silica nanowire is investigated. The single Au-NPs@silica nanowire exhibits unique photo-responsivity in the visible range (500 nm), high selectivity, high photoconductive gain, and very fast rise (141 μs) and decay (298 μs) time constants. Furthermore, the mechanism for the high photoconductive gain is also discussed. This result implies that the Au-NPs@silica nanowire can be applied for future nanoscale optoelectronic devices.

Design considerations for enhancing absorption in semiconductors on metals through surface plasmon polaritons

Efficiency limits based on absorption through surface plasmon polaritons are incorporated into the detailed balance approach of Shockley and Queisser.

Tilt boundary induced heteroepitaxy in chemically grown dendritic silver nanostructures on germanium and their optical properties

Dentritic silver nanostructures prepared by a galvanic displacement reaction on germanium substrates show a new type of heteroepitaxy where significantly large lattice mismatch is accommodated by the formation of low-energy asymmetric tilt boundaries.

Controlling the polarization orientation of highly confined and enhanced surface plasmon polaritons

We show the manipulation of the overall polarization orientation of the enhanced and confined surface plasmon polaritons near the nanostructure.

Electronic and optical properties of silicene nanomeshes

We have investigated the electronic and optical properties of silicene nanomeshes (SNMs) using first-principle calculations.

Three-dimensionally designed anti-reflective silicon surfaces for perfect absorption of light

We successfully demonstrate a novel three-dimensionally designed (3D) silicon structure, which has the most advanced property than the previous anti-reflective materials.

Optical response of quantum-sized Ag and Au clusters – cage vs. compact structures and the remarkable insensitivity to compression

Absorption spectra of hollow Ag and Au clusters are compared to compact clusters; compression has little influence on optical spectra.

A review on materials for light scattering in dye-sensitized solar cells

A state-of-the-art review highlighting the theory, role and the materials of the scattering layer in dye-sensitized solar cells.

Indium-tin-oxide nanorods for efficient light trapping in polymer solar cells

Nanorods of indium-tin-oxide were used to enhance the performance of polymer solar cells.

Enhanced photocatalytic performance at a Au/N–TiO2hollow nanowire array by a combination of light scattering and reduced recombination

Maximizing the Au nanoparticle decoration on TiO₂nanowire through nitrogen doping for simultaneous enhancement in visible light scattering and electron–hole charge separation.

Near-infrared room temperature luminescence of few-atom Au aggregates in silica: a path for the energy-transfer to Er³⁺ ions

Ultra-small molecule-like AuN nanoclusters made by a number of atoms N less than 30 were produced by ion implantation in silica substrates. Their room temperature photoluminescence properties in the visible and near-infrared range have been investigated and correlated with the Er sensitization effects observed in Er-Au co-implanted samples. The intense photoluminescence emission under 488 nm laser excitation occurs in three different spectral regions around 750 nm (band A), 980 nm (band B) and 1150 nm (band C) as a consequence of the formation of discrete energy levels in the electronic structure of the molecule-like AuN nanoclusters. Indeed, energy maxima of bands A and C scale with N(-1/3) as expected for quantum confined systems. Conversely, the energy maximum of band B appears to be almost independent of size, suggesting a contribution of electronic surface states. A clear correlation between the formation of band B in the samples and Er-related photoemission is demonstrated: the band at 980 nm related to AuN nanoclusters resonant with the corresponding Er(3+) absorption level, is suggested as an effective de-excitation channel through which the Au-related photon energy may be transferred from Au nanoclusters to Er ions (either directly or mediated by photon absorption), eventually producing the Er-related infrared emission at 1540 nm.

Silicon nanostructures for photonics and photovoltaics

Silicon has long been established as the material of choice for the microelectronics industry. This is not yet true in photonics, where the limited degrees of freedom in material design combined with the indirect bandgap are a major constraint. Recent developments, especially those enabled by nanoscale engineering of the electronic and photonic properties, are starting to change the picture, and some silicon nanostructures now approach or even exceed the performance of equivalent direct-bandgap materials. Focusing on two application areas, namely communications and photovoltaics, we review recent progress in silicon nanocrystals, nanowires and photonic crystals as key examples of functional nanostructures. We assess the state of the art in each field and highlight the challenges that need to be overcome to make silicon a truly high-performing photonic material.

Fabrication of metallic nanopatterns with ultrasmooth surface on various substrates through lift-off and transfer process

The smooth surface of the metallic nanostructure is essential for the propagation of surface plasmon polaritons. In this paper, we present a novel method to fabricate the metallic nanopatterns with ultra-smooth surface on various substrates. By using a silica film as the sacrificial layer, we show that the prefabricated metallic nanopatterns produced by electron beam lithography and film deposition can be hydrolyzed and transferred onto a designated substrate. The ultra-smooth surface morphology of nanopatterns has been characterized and verified by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. More importantly, we demonstrate that this method can successfully produce a variety of nanostructures with high product yield, even onto the uneven substrate. The results indicate that our proposed method is a promising and versatile means to fabricate multiplicate smooth metallic nanostructure on various substrates for the application of nanophotonic devices.

Tuning optical responses of metallic dipole nanoantenna using graphene

Nanoantennas play a fundamental role in the nanotechnology due to their capabilities to confine and enhance the light through converting the localized fields to propagating ones, and vice versa. Here, we theoretically propose a novel nanoantenna with the metal-insulator-graphene configuration where a graphene sheet dynamically controls the characteristics of a metallic dipole antenna in terms of near-field distribution, resonance frequency, bandwidth, radiation pattern, etc. Our results show that by modifying dispersion relation of the graphene sheet attached to the insulator through tuning chemical potentials, we can achieve strong mode couplings between the graphene sheet and the metallic nanoantenna on the top of the insulator. Interestingly, the in-phase and out-of-phase couplings between metallic plasmonics and graphene plasmonics not only split the single resonance frequency of the conventional metallic dipole antenna but also modify the near-field and far-field responses of the metal-graphene nanoantenna. This work is of a great help to design high-performance electrically-tunable nanoantennas applicable both in nano-optics and nano-electronics fields.

Surface plasmon enhanced organic solar cells with a MoO3 buffer layer

High-efficiency surface plasmon enhanced 1,1-bis-(4-bis(4-methyl-phenyl)-amino-phenyl)-cyclohexane:C70 small molecular bulk heterojunction organic solar cells with a MoO3 anode buffer layer have been demonstrated. The optimized device based on thermal evaporated Ag nanoparticles (NPs) shows a power conversion efficiency of 5.42%, which is 17% higher than the reference device. The improvement is attributed to both the enhanced conductivity and increased absorption due to the near-field enhancement of the localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag NPs.

Multiple magnetic mode-based Fano resonance in split-ring resonator/disk nanocavities

Plasmonic Fano resonance, enabled by the weak interaction between a bright super-radiant and a subradiant resonance mode, not only is fundamentally interesting, but also exhibits potential applications ranging from extraordinary optical transmission to biosensing. Here, we demonstrate strong Fano resonances in split-ring resonators/disk (SRR/D) nanocavities. The high-order magnetic modes are observed in SRRs by polarization-resolved transmission spectroscopy. When a disk is centered within the SRRs, multiple high-order magnetic modes are coupled to a broad electric dipole mode of SRR/D, leading to significant Fano resonance spectral features in near-IR regime. The strength and line shape of the Fano resonances are tuned through varying the SRR split-angle and interparticle distance between SRR and disk. Finite-difference-time-domain (FDTD) simulations are conducted to understand the coupling mechanism, and the results show good agreement with experimental data. Furthermore, the coupled structure gives a sensitivity of ∼282 nm/RIU with a figure of merit ∼4.

Quasiperiodic moiré plasmonic crystals

This paper describes the properties of silver plasmonic crystals with quasiperiodic rotational symmetries. Compared to periodic plasmonic crystals, quasiperiodic moiré structures exhibited an increased number of surface plasmon polariton modes, especially at high angles of excitation. In addition, plasmonic band gaps were often formed at the intersections of these new modes. To identify the origin and predict the location of the band gaps, we developed a Bragg-based indexing system using the reciprocal lattice vectors of the moiré plasmonic crystals. We showed that even more complicated quasiperiodic geometries could also be described by this indexing model. We anticipate that these quasiperiodic lattices will be useful for applications that require the concentration and manipulation of light over a broadband spectrum.

Bio-inspired antireflective hetero-nanojunctions with enhanced photoactivity

A bio-inspired antireflective hetero-nanojunction structure has been fabricated by the hydrothermal growth of ZnO nanorods on silicon micro-pyramids. It has been shown that this structure suppresses light reflection more effectively resulting in a high photocurrent response and good charge separation simultaneously. The strategy provides a means to enhance solar energy conversion.

Size-tunable TiO2 nanorod microspheres synthesised via a one-pot solvothermal method and used as the scattering layer for dye-sensitized solar cells

TiO2 microspheres assembled by single crystalline rutile TiO2 nanorods were synthesized by one-pot solvothermal treatment at 180 °C based on an aqueous-organic mixture solution containing n-hexane, distilled water, titanium n-butoxide and hydrochloric acid. The spheres had a radiative structure from the center, and their diameters were controlled in the range from 1 to 5 μm by adjusting the volume of the reactant water. Nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms showed that all the as-prepared microspheres had relatively high specific surface areas of about 50 m(2) g(-1). The 1 μm sized TiO2 nanorod microspheres were fabricated as a scattering overlayer in DSSCs, leading to a remarkable improvement in the power conversion efficiency: 8.22% of the bi-layer DSSCs versus 7.00% for the reference cell made of a single-layer film prepared from nanocrystalline TiO2. Such improvement was mainly attributed to the enhanced light harvesting and dye loading brought by the effective scattering centers.

High-Q hybrid plasmon-photon modes in a bottle resonator realized with a silver-coated glass fiber with a varying diameter

We experimentally demonstrate that hybrid plasmon-photon modes exist in a silver-coated glass bottle resonator. The bottle resonator is realized in a glass fiber with a smoothly varying diameter, which is subsequently coated with a rhodamine 800-dye doped acryl-glass layer and a 30 nm thick silver layer. We show by means of photoluminescence experiments supported by electromagnetic simulations that the rhodamine 800 photoluminescence excites hybrid plasmon-photon modes in such a bottle resonator, which provide a plasmon-type field enhancement at the outer silver surface and exhibit quality factors as high as 1000.