Modeling Nanoparticle Optics and Surface Enhanced Emission

摘要

This account focuses on using classical electrodynamics methods to model the optical properties of metal nanoparticles as well as the excitation dynamics of molecules interacting with them.We begin by reviewing several approaches being utilized currently to predict and interpret optical spectra and plasmonic phenomena. Results for various nanoparticles are presented to emphasize general concepts, extract trends, and correlate spectral features to specific plasmon modes. Next we show how coupling a molecule to a nanostructure can drastically alter the fluorescence. As an example, we present the emission characteristics of a molecule placed in the gap of a nanoparticle dimer. In contrast to the single nanosphere-molecule system, we find that the emission intensity undergoes a quenching effect only when the inter-nanoparticle gap distance of the dimer is very small, meaning that strong coupling prevails over energy engaged in the heating process unless the molecule is extremely close to the metal surface. These examples highlight the importance of accurately modeling the nanoparticle and understanding the interplay between system components in plasmonic applications.