BUSCADOR RECOLECTA

Metal nanoparticles are used in optical coatings and sensors due to their absorption in optical part of spectrum and its sensitivity to the environment induced by localized surface plasmon resonance. Glass is the most common substrate used for optical coatings. However, its surface does not have optimal properties for coating with metal nanoparticles grown in situ by reduction of metal salt. Glass surface optimization methods may involve environmentally hostile chemicals or processes that have time limited or atmosphere sensitive effects. In this study it is demonstrated and discussed effectiveness, mechanisms and advantages of glass poling as pre-treatment method for improving glass surface properties for maximization of coatings plasmonic performance. Pre-treatment of glass surfaces by poling is highly efficient for the purpose. Glass poling quenches ion exchange between metal ions from the solution and alkali ions from glass, favouring nanoparticles formation. Surface prepared in such way is not affected by ageing in normal atmosphere and is effective even after coating with ultrathin dielectric or Cr layers.

Metal nanoparticles are used in optical coatings and sensors due to their absorption in optical part of spectrum and its sensitivity to the environment induced by localized surface plasmon resonance. Glass is the most common substrate used for optical coatings. However, its surface does not have optimal properties for coating with metal nanoparticles grown in situ by reduction of metal salt. Glass surface optimization methods may involve environmentally hostile chemicals or processes that have time limited or atmosphere sensitive effects. In this study it is demonstrated and discussed effectiveness, mechanisms and advantages of glass poling as pre-treatment method for improving glass surface properties for maximization of coatings plasmonic performance. Pre-treatment of glass surfaces by poling is highly efficient for the purpose. Glass poling quenches ion exchange between metal ions from the solution and alkali ions from glass, favouring nanoparticles formation. Surface prepared in such way is not affected by ageing in normal atmosphere and is effective even after coating with ultrathin dielectric or Cr layers., This work was supported by the Croatian Science Foundation [Grant no. IP-2016-06-2168 and DOK-2018-01-3956]. M.C.S. and J.A. acknowledge funding from Generalitat de Catalunya 2017 SGR 327. ICN2 is supported by the Severo Ochoa program from Spanish MINECO [Grant no. SEV-2017-0706] and is funded by the CERCA Programme/Generalitat de Catalunya. M.C.S. has received funding from the post doctoral fellowship Juan de la Cierva Incorporation from MICINN (JCI-2019) and the Severo Ochoa programme., Peer reviewed