Size-dependent luminescence of small palladium particles

Matching emission centers of electrons and photons in current-carrying silver nanoparticle films

Current flow through a nanoparticle film (two-dimensional ensemble of small tunnel-coupled metal particles on a dielectric substrate) is accompanied by electron and photon emission. It has a localized character (originates from emission centers). With an increase in applied voltage, the number of emission centers increases, and with further increase, some of them may burn out. In dark conditions, photon emission centers are visible with a bare eye. To visualize electron emission centers, emission electron microscopy is used. The conducted measurements allow comparison of the number and relative positions of electron and photon emission centers. It is shown that electrons and photons are emitted from the same centers.

Strong Support Effects on the Insulator to Metal Transition in Supported Pt Clusters as Observed by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

The development of a new in situ probe of metallic character in supported metal clusters utilizing X-ray absorption spectroscopy is described. The technique is based on the extent of screening of the core-hole left in the neutral final state after the X-ray absorption. The technique allows for the clear differentiation between local interatomic charge transfer and more delocalized metallic screening. The particle size at the metal-insulator transition is found to depend strongly on the electron richness of the support oxygen atoms (i.e., ionic vs covalent oxides). Pt particles on supports with electron poor oxygen atoms (covalent) show metallic screening for sizes as small as 12 A in diameter. In contrast, on supports with electron rich oxygen atoms (ionic) the Pt particles do not show metallic behavior until around 20 A. The wide variation of previously reported estimates of the particle size at which the insulator to metal transition occurs is explained, giving a consistent picture for the onset of metallic character, and the reasons for the strong support effect.

Laser-induced incandescence applied to metal nanostructures

Laser-induced incandescence is both characterized and demonstrated for the measurement of metal nanoparticle concentration. Reported are the results of an initial characterization of the spectral and temporal signature of the laser-induced incandescence as a function of the excitation laser fluence and wavelength. Validation of the incandescence as a measure of the concentration is demonstrated by absorption measurements. Fluence dependence measurements are also presented. Double-pulse measurements determine the fluence for the onset of vaporization-induced mass loss. Comparisons between the present observations and those for carbon nanostructures are also made. Metals tested include (in order of increasing vaporization temperature) Fe, Ti, Mo, and W.