Metal-Dielectric Eutectic Material for Plasmonics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining metal-dielectric eutectic materials with metallic nanostructures suitable for plasmonics in the visible range are limited by the size of the metallic phase, which is typically larger than 500 nm, and result in materials with low mechanical and chemical durability, making them unsuitable for industrial-scale applications and optical resonance effects.
Innovation Solution
A metal-dielectric eutectic material composed of 82.0 - 86.0 mole% Bi2O3 as a dielectric matrix with 14.0 - 18.0 mole% Ag as metallic precipitations, processed through directional crystallization to achieve submicron-sized structures with negative electric permittivity, enabling localized surface plasmon resonance in the visible range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If chemical self-assembly methods are used to obtain metal-dielectric materials, then rapid generation of plasmonic materials is achieved, but the mechanical and chemical durability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs directional solidification from liquid melt to solid eutectic structure, utilizing phase transition to achieve controlled formation of metallic precipitates within dielectric matrix. This solidification process from melt enables precise control of microstructure and composition, resolving the contradiction between rapid production and material durability by creating a robust eutectic structure with proper phase distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite eutectic material consisting of dielectric matrix (e.g., Al2O3, SiO2) with embedded metallic precipitates (e.g., Al, Si) in controlled sizes and distributions. This composite structure combines the advantages of both phases - the mechanical strength and chemical stability of the dielectric matrix with the plasmonic properties of the metallic inclusions, thereby achieving both durability and functional performance
2Stability of the object's composition
If eutectic crystallisation is used to obtain metal-dielectric materials, then self-ordering of structure at micro/nano level is achieved, but the metallic phase size is larger than 500 nm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent systematically varies critical parameters including cooling rate, composition ratio of metal to dielectric, and solidification temperature gradient to control the size of metallic precipitates. By optimizing these parameters, the invention achieves sub-500 nm metallic phase sizes while maintaining the self-ordered eutectic structure, thus resolving the contradiction between structural ordering and size control
Solution Approach 2:
The eutectic structure is segmented into distinct dielectric and metallic phases with controlled morphology and distribution. The directional solidification process creates a segmented microstructure where metallic precipitates are distributed as discrete phases within the dielectric matrix, enabling size control below 500 nm while preserving the ordered structure through controlled phase separation
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional eutectic methods are used, then materials with defined chemical composition are obtained, but they are not suitable for plasmonics in visible range
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical composition parameters by selecting specific metal-dielectric pairs (e.g., Al-SiO2, Si-Al2O3) and optimizing their ratios to achieve defined compositions that simultaneously satisfy thermodynamic eutectic requirements and plasmonic performance criteria for visible light range applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates local quality variations by controlling the distribution, size, and morphology of metallic precipitates within the dielectric matrix. Different regions of the material have optimized local compositions and structures tailored for plasmonic resonance in the visible range, while maintaining overall compositional stability and eutectic character
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The resulting material exhibits localized surface plasmon resonance at 590 nm, with enhanced optical properties and mechanical durability, suitable for industrial-scale applications in plasmonics, specifically in the visible light range.
Implementation Method 1
Metal-dielectric composites consisting of a dielectric matrix with metallic nanostructures or of a metallic matrix with dielectric nanostructures are characterised by plasmonic properties due to the presence of localised surface plasmons, i.e. oscillation of free media in nanometric objects with a negative value of actual electric permittivity.
Implementation Method 2
Chemical self-assembly mechanism is also present in the process of directional crystallisation of metal-dielectric eutectic mixtures which lead to self-ordering of their structure at the micro/nano level.
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the invention is an eutectic material, in particular a metal-dielectric one, applicable in plasmonics. The material according to the invention is characterized in that it consists of at least two components: 51 - 99 mole% of phase A, constituting a metallic or semiconductive matrix, having a resistance not exceeding 150 nΩm, having a negative actual value of electric permittivity, Re(eps) < 0 for the range of electromagnetic wavelengths λ UV/Vis/NIR, and 1 - 49 mole% of phase B, constituting precipitations of dielectric material, having a positive actual electric permittivity, Re(eps) > 0. The material according to the invention is also characterized in that it consists of at least two components: 51 - 99 mole% of phase A, constituting a dielectric matrix, having a positive actual electric permittivity, Re(eps) > 0 for the range of electromagnetic wavelengths λ UV/Vis/NIR, and 1 - 49 mole% of phase B, constituting metallic or semiconductive precipitations, having a resistance not exceeding 150 nΩm, having a negative actual value of electric permittivity, Re(eps) < 0 for the same range of wavelength λ.