Unconventional Breathing Currents Far beyond the Quantum Tunneling Distances in Large-Gapped Nanoplasmonic Systems

Abstract

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) in plasmonic nanoparticles propels the field of plasmo-electronics, holding promise for transformative optoelectronic devices through efficient light-to-current conversion. Plasmonic excitations strongly influence the charge distribution within nanoparticles, giving rise to electromagnetic fields that can significantly impact the macroscopic charge flows within the nanoparticle housing material. In this study, we present evidence of ultralow, unconventional breathing currents resulting from dynamic irradiance interactions between widely separated nanoparticles, extending far beyond conventional electron (quantum) tunneling distances. We develop an electric analogue model and derive an empirical expression to elucidate the generation of these unconventional breathing currents in cascaded nanoplasmonic systems under irradiance modulation. This technique and theoretical model have significant potential for applications requiring a deeper understanding of current dynamics, particularly on large nanostructured surfaces relevant to photocatalysis, energy harvesting, sensing, imaging, and the development of future photonic devices.