Plasmonic Nanocages as Photothermal Transducers for Laser Induced Heating and Bubble Generation

摘要

Plasmonics is emerging from among the most promising means for generating and controlling thermal energy at the nanoscale. In this approach, metallic nanoparticles are laser heated at plasmon resonant wavelengths that depend on the size, shape and properties of the particles. Key attributes of this method include remote optical activation, nanoscale resolution and efficient photothermal transduction. In this presentation we discuss photothermal transduction using laser-pulsed colloidal gold nanocage structures. We explore fundamental aspects of this process using computational models that predict the absorption spectra of the nanoparticles, photothermal transduction at plasmon resonance, heat transfer to the fluid and the dynamics of bubble generation under conditions of superheating. We demonstrate that process variables can be tuned to achieve optimal photothermal performance. We also discuss applications involving drug delivery and therapy of malignant tumors.