Xiangyang Wu and Edwin K L Yeow 2008 Nanotechnology 19 035706 doi:10.1088/0957-4484/19/03/035706
Xiangyang Wu and Edwin K L Yeow1
Show affiliationsFluorescence blinking of silver nanoparticle films is observed when illuminated with red light (635 nm). The observed power-law off-time distribution is attributed to random surface diffusion and subsequent agglomeration of atomic Ag leading to the formation of photo-active Ag nanoclusters. These nanoclusters can in turn diffuse randomly to form non-emitting Ag clusters after aggregation with another Ag species. This is revealed in the power-law on-time distribution. Silver oxides found on the surfaces of Ag nanostructures are important for photoblinking to take place since nanostructures with a protective layer of polymeric citrate or cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) against atmospheric O2 do not display obvious emission intermittency.
78.55.Hx Other solid inorganic materials
78.67.Bf Nanocrystals and nanoparticles
Condensed matter: electrical, magnetic and optical
Issue 3 (23 January 2008)
Received 3 October 2007, in final form 12 November 2007
Published 13 December 2007
Xiangyang Wu and Edwin K L Yeow 2008 Nanotechnology 19 035706
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