Plasmon Coupling in Two-Dimensional Arrays of Silver Nanoparticles: I. Effect of the Dielectric Medium

Abstract

The effect of the dielectric medium between the particles on plasmon coupling was studied experimentally and theoretically. Two-dimensional arrays of silver nanoparticles adsorbed on glass slides were immobilized using poly(methylmethacrylate). The method provides an efficient way for stabilization of particles on surfaces. It was concluded that increasing the dielectric function of the surrounding medium promotes plasmon coupling between silver nanoparticles. On the basis of the quasi-crystalline approximation, the optimum refractive index was calculated that yielded the strongest and highest Q extinction band due to coherent plasmon coupling.