Synthesis of core-shell Ag/SiO2 nanoparticles for SPASER structures

Abstract

Aqueous solution of colloidal silver was prepared using a method based on a chemical reaction of silver nitrate water-soluble salts and sodium borohydride. Synthesized silver nanoparticles were analyzed by transmission optical spectroscopy. Silica shells were formed by the modified Stöber process. During shell formation nanoparticles were also doped by organic dye (Rhodamine 6G). The resulting structures were deposited on silicon substrates. Half of the samples were annealed at 300°C, and the other half was just dried. Processed samples were investigated by atomic force microscopy.