title: Optical manipulation of plasmonic nanoparticles, bubble formation and patterning of SERS aggregates.
abstract: We present an optical method for patterning SERS (surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy)--enhancing aggregates of gold nanoparticles, using a focused laser beam to optically trap the nanoparticles in suspension. At high laser powers, heat generated from the plasmonic excitation causes boiling of the aqueous suspension and the formation of gaseous bubbles of water vapor. By measuring the Raman peak of the hydroxyl bond of water, the temperature in the laser spot during the aggregation can be determined in situ. The hydrophilic nanoparticles are found to aggregate at the liquid-vapor interface. By allowing the suspension to dry, a ring of gold nanoparticles is deposited on the substrate, producing a highly SERS-active region. These aggregates are studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and micro-Raman spectroscopy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
authors.forename: Zuwei
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Wei Hsuan
authors.initials: WH
authors.lastname: Hung
authors.forename: Mehmet
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aykol
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Valley
authors.forename: Stephen B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Cronin