Light-induced structural phase behaviour of metal nanoparticle materials

Abstract

We have investigated the structural dynamics of gold nanoparticles induced by femtosecond light excitation. Structure evolution in both embedded particles (glass matrix or liquid water suspension) and quasi-free particles adsorbed on a solid surface is analyzed. By use of stroboscopic laser pump- x-ray probe techniques the structural relaxations have been resolved on the 100 ps time scale at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility. Several methods including powder scattering, liquid scattering and small angle scattering serve to resolve microscopic and mesoscopic length scales of the composite system. The thermal response includes the heating, lattice melting, explosive solvent evaporation and solvent cooling subsequent to the laser flash excitation. Nonthermal effects are observed with femtosecond excitation. They are attributed to ablation from the particle and particle explosion at strong nonequilibrium conditions. The observations can form a complete picture of the energy dissipation and phase transitions involved in nanoscale composites. © 2005 IOP Publishing Ltd.