The fragmentation mechanism of gold nanoparticles in water under femtosecond laser irradiation.

ABSTRACT: Plasmonic nanoparticles in aqueous solution have long been known to fragment under irradiation with intense ultrafast laser pulses, creating progeny particles with diameters of a few nanometers. However, the mechanism of this process is still intensely debated, despite numerous experimental and theoretical studies. Here, we use in situ electron microscopy to directly observe the femtosecond laser-induced fragmentation of gold nanoparticles in water, revealing that the process occurs through ejection of individual progeny particles. Our observations suggest that the fragmentation mechanism involves Coulomb fission, which occurs as the femtosecond laser pulses ionize and melt the gold nanoparticle, causing it to eject a highly charged progeny droplet. Subsequent Coulomb fission events

SUBMITTER: Bongiovanni G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8439145 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature