Generating Hot Carriers in Plasmonic Nanoparticles: When Quantization Does Matter?
Jacob B. Khurgin, Uriel Levy
Abstract
Plasmon-assisted hot carrier processes in metal nanoparticles can be described either classically or using the full strength of quantum mechanics. We reconfirm that from the practical applications point of view, when it comes to description of the decay of plasmons in nanoparticles, classical description is sufficiently adequate for all but the smallest of the nanoparticles. At the same time, the electron temperature rise in nanoparticles is discrete (quantized), and neglecting this fact can lead to significant underestimating of hot carrier assisted effects such as photocatalysis.
Topics & Concepts
PlasmonNanoparticleQuantization (signal processing)Plasmonic nanoparticlesPhotocatalysisMaterials scienceHot electronNanotechnologyElectronPhysicsCondensed matter physicsOptoelectronicsQuantum mechanicsChemistryComputer scienceComputer visionCatalysisBiochemistryGold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and ApplicationsPlasmonic and Surface Plasmon ResearchCopper-based nanomaterials and applications