Spectral tunability of plasmonic scattering by silver nanodiscs near a reflector

R. S A Sesuraj*, T. L. Temple, D. M. Bagnall

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference proceeding contributionpeer-review

    Abstract

    The scattering properties of a plasmonic array can be reinforced by placing the array near a planar reflector. Finite-Difference-Time-Domain (FDTD) simulations have been used to demonstrate the key design challenge of modulating the electric field that drives the plasmonic scattering, by varying the distance of a single Ag nanodisc from a Ag reflector. We show that the thickness of the dielectric separation layer plays a critical role in determining the spectral characteristics and the intensity of the power scattered by a Ag nanodisc near a reflector. A possible application of the designed structure as a plasmonic light-trap for thin Si solar cells is also experimentally demonstrated. Electron-beam lithography has been used to fabricate a pseudo-random array of 150nm plasmonic Ag nanodiscs on SiO2 on a Ag reflector substrate. The plasmonic reflector shows a high diffuse reflectance of ∼54% in the near-infrared, near-bandgap 600-900nm wavelength region for thin Si solar cells, with a low broadband absorption loss of ∼18%. Wavelength-angle resolved scattering measurements indicate an angular scattering range between 20° to 80° with maximum intensity of the scattered power in the 20° to 60° angular range.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationPlasmonics: Metallic Nanostructures and Their Optical Properties X
    EditorsMark I. Stockman
    Pages845721-1-845721-6
    Number of pages6
    Volume8457
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2012
    EventPlasmonics: Metallic Nanostructures and Their Optical Properties X - San Diego, CA, United States
    Duration: 12 Aug 201216 Aug 2012

    Other

    OtherPlasmonics: Metallic Nanostructures and Their Optical Properties X
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CitySan Diego, CA
    Period12/08/1216/08/12

    Keywords

    • Ag
    • Electron beam lithography
    • FDTD
    • Nanodisc
    • Plasmonic
    • Reflector
    • Scattering
    • Solar cells

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