Laser Annealing of Metal Nanoparticles Synthesized in Glasses by Ion Implantation

Abstract

© 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Recent results on the interaction of high-power laser pulses with glass containing ion-synthesized metal nanoparticles (MNPs) are described. Original results, together with new publications, are reviewed. The excimer laser pulse modified silver and copper nanoparticles synthesized by ion implantation in silicate glasses are considered. Pulsed laser irradiation makes it possible to modify such composite layers, improving the uniformity in the size distribution of the nanoparticles. Changes induced by pulsed laser exposure suggest that there are both reductions in the average size of the MNPs, and some long-range dissolution of metal atoms in the glass matrix. Applications of this category of metal-glass nanocomposites are also explained.