Theoretical Calculation of Optical Properties of Copper NANO PARTICLES

Abstract

Objectives: In this work the PLASMONIC effects of Cu NANO particles with varying particle sizes and surrounding mediums, such as PEDOT: PSS layers of organic Bulk-HETEROJUNCTION (BHJ) solar cells and silica were investigated. Methods/Statistical Analysis: For this work the optical properties of Cu NANOPARTICLES with different sizes (by varying the particle diameter from 20 to 100 nm) and when surrounded by different mediums (dielectric constant in interval 1.49 to 7) were investigated in the wavelength range 300-900 nm. The Mie theory was used to analyze the light scattering and extinction efficiencies. Findings: The results show that the particle size and dielectric constant of the medium are the key factors that directly influence the PLASMONIC enhancements in the samples. At a wavelength more than 550 nm, there is a second peak of the resonance peaks, as the Cu NANO particle size increases and the efficiency peak slightly shifts to a longer wavelength. The wavelength of the resonance peak was found to haven on-linear dependence on the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium. In addition, the linear dependence of the maximum of the extinction efficiencies on the dielectric constant of the surrounding medium at a fixed particle radius was observed. Application/ Improvements: The Localized Surface PLASMON Resonance (LSPRs) exhibited by noble metal NANOPARTICLES, such as Au, Ag and Cu, leads to strong enhancements on the local electromagnetic fields surrounding the NANOPARTICLES. Keywords: Cu NANOPARTICLE, Localized Surface PLASMON Resonance, Mie Theory, PLASMONIC Enhancements