Reversible tuning of silver quantum dot monolayers through the metal- insulator transition

C. P. Collier, R. J. Saykally, J. J. Shiang, S. E. Henrichs, J. R. Heath

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

835 Scopus citations

Abstract

The linear and nonlinear (X((2))) optical responses of Langmuir monolayers of organically functionalized silver quantum dots were measured as a continuous function of inter-particle separation under near-ambient conditions. As the distance between metal surfaces was decreased from 12 to ~5 angstroms, both quantum and classical effects were observed in the optical signals. When the separation was less than 5 angstroms, the optical second-harmonic generation (SHG) response exhibited a sharp discontinuity, and the linear reflectance and absorbance began to resemble those of a thin metallic film, indicating that an insulator-to-metal transition occurred. This transition was reversible.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1978-1981
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume277
Issue number5334
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 26 1997
Externally publishedYes

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