Gold and silver nanoparticles are applied in a variety of technologies, including advanced catalysts, SERS, and components of optical and electronic devices whose properties depend on plasmonic vibrations. Gold and silver nanoparticles have intense colors, high surface area to volume ratio, high electrical conductivity, chemical stability, catalytic functions, etc.[1] The optical properties of metal nanoparticles depend on the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR).
The choice of the method for the synthesis of precious metal nanoparticles is no less important as it determines the morphology, stability, and physicochemical properties [2]. The main problem encountered during synthesis is the uniform and repetitive deposition of nanoparticles. The use of a laser helps to solve this problem. Unlike traditional methods, this process does not require chemical reagents and deposition of nanoparticles in solution. Thermal heating of a thin metal coating with a nanosecond pulsed laser can be performed immediately on the desired surface. This method has the advantages of accuracy, easy laser parameters control, a low impact on the surrounding areas, and the surface itself. With this method, nanoparticles can be deposited directly and fairly evenly on various substrates and can be easily replicated.
Here, the generation of gold and silver nanoparticles on a glass surface from the metal films using a nanosecond laser and the investigation of the morphology and plasmonic properties of the particles will be presented. Also, the difference between the generated nanoparticle size, dispersion, and optical properties of different metals will be compared and analyzed.