The evolution of Ag nanoparticles inside a gas aggregation cluster source

Abstract

AbstractIn‐situ UV–Vis spectroscopy was used for investigating the evolution of silver nanoparticles (NPs) inside the gas aggregation cluster source (GAS). The light beam probed the interior of the GAS at different distances from the magnetron. Plasmon resonance was detected at 365 nm, with the highest intensity found close to the magnetron due to the NP trapping. Time‐resolved measurements revealed that after the discharge switch off the majority of trapped NPs fly out of the GAS. Part of them is redeposited onto the center of the target due to the electrostatic force. NPs collected at the distance of 20 mm and further from the magnetron demonstrate gradual decrease of the size, pointing to the loss of bigger NPs on the walls.