Generation of Silver Metal Nanocluster Random Lasing
Journal
ACS Photonics
Journal Volume
8
Journal Issue
10
Pages
3051-3060
Date Issued
2021
Author(s)
Wang C.-C
Kataria M
Lin H.-I
Nain A
Lin H.Y
Paul Inbaraj C.R
Liao Y.-M
Thakran A
Tseng F.-G
Hsieh Y.-P
Chen Y.-F.
Abstract
Atomically precise molecular-like metal nanoclusters (MNCs) exhibit unique properties, such as strong photoluminescence and absorption with inherent biocompatibility, which enable us to extend their applications to chemical sensing, biomedical imaging, optoelectronics, and many other areas. However, stimulated laser emission is greatly desirable to upgrade their more advanced functionalities. Here we provide a plausible approach to achieve this outstanding characteristic from MNCs. Quite interestingly, by integrating hyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) with highly luminescent silver metal nanoclusters (Ag-TSA MNCs), a strong stimulated emission (random lasing action) with a low threshold of ∼0.5 kW cm-2 is discovered. The light emission is enhanced by ∼35 times when the solid-state assembly of Ag-TSA MNCs is integrated with HMM in comparison with that with a silicon substrate. The high-k modes excited by the HMM offer the possibility of forming the coherent closed feedback loops necessary for random lasing actions, thereby decreasing the energy loss associated with the photons' propagation in the matrix. The simulations derived from the finite-difference time-domain method support the experimental results. Our study shown here makes an initial step to demonstrate stimulated laser action from metal nanoclusters. It is believed that there exist many other alternatives for exploring this emerging research topic for the future development of cost-effective and biocompatible optoelectronic devices. © 2021 American Chemical Society.
Subjects
high- k modes; hyperbolic metamaterials; metal nanoclusters; random lasing; stimulated emission
Other Subjects
Biocompatibility; Chemical sensors; Cost effectiveness; Energy dissipation; Fluorescence; Metamaterials; Nanoclusters; Optoelectronic devices; Silver; Stimulated emission; Chemical sensing; High- k; High- k mode; Hyperbolic metamaterial; k-Modes; Metal nanoclusters; Property; Random lasing; Random lasing actions; Silver metal; Finite difference time domain method
Type
journal article