Metal-Based Particle Assembly for Extended Plasmon Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional metal nanoparticle-based localized plasmon resonance has a limited effect range of 10 nm or smaller, making it ineffective for enhancing luminous efficiency or conversion efficiency in light emitting and photoelectric conversion devices due to the restricted distance for energy transfer, which is insufficient for devices with active layers thicker than tens of nanometers.
Innovation Solution
A metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more large-size metal particles with specific dimensions and spacing, allowing for intense plasmon resonance and extended range effects, is used to enhance emission and conversion efficiency in optical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional metal nanoparticles are used for localized plasmon resonance, then emission enhancement occurs within 10 nm distance, but the effect range is too limited for devices with active layers thicker than tens of nanometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the metal structure into multiple discrete particles arranged in specific patterns (linear arrays, two-dimensional lattices, or three-dimensional configurations) rather than using a single bulk metal structure. This segmentation allows the electromagnetic field to extend across multiple particles, achieving an enhanced effect range that exceeds 10 nm while maintaining plasmonic resonance through controlled inter-particle coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional zero-dimensional nanoparticles to one-dimensional linear arrays and two-dimensional or three-dimensional lattice structures. This dimensional expansion increases the spatial extent of plasmon resonance, allowing the enhanced electromagnetic field to reach deeper into thicker active layers while maintaining coupling between particles through controlled spacing.
2Illumination intensity
If metal nanoparticle size is reduced to nano-scale, then localized plasmon resonance occurs, but the distance for effective energy transfer is restricted to 10 nm or smaller
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple nanoparticles into organized assemblies where the plasmon resonance of individual particles merges to create a collective enhanced electromagnetic field. The controlled spacing between particles (typically 5-50 nm) allows near-field coupling that extends the energy transfer distance beyond what single particles can achieve, while maintaining the intensity benefits of localized surface plasmon resonance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the electromagnetic field itself as an intermediary between particles, where the plasmon resonance of one particle mediates energy transfer to neighboring particles over distances greater than 10 nm. This field-mediated coupling allows extended interaction ranges while maintaining the quantum mechanical requirements for energy transfer.
3Power
If metal particles are spaced closer to enhance radiative induced dipole, then emission enhancement increases, but direct electron transfer based on Dexter mechanism occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the inter-particle spacing parameter to fall within the 5-50 nm range, which is sufficiently close to enable strong radiative induced dipole coupling and emission enhancement, yet sufficiently far to prevent direct electron transfer via the Dexter mechanism. This parameter optimization balances electromagnetic coupling strength with energy transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different local environments around each particle by controlling the spacing and arrangement, where the near-field region of each particle maintains strong electromagnetic coupling for enhancement while the far-field region prevents direct electron transfer. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of power enhancement and energy transfer efficiency.
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 metal-based particle assembly achieves significant plasmon resonance with an extended range effect, enhancing luminous and conversion efficiencies in light emitting and photoelectric conversion devices, even for active layers thicker than 10 nm, by allowing plasmon resonance to interact effectively over larger distances.
Implementation Method 1
localized plasmon resonance is in particular expected for application. Plasmon is a compressional wave of free electrons that arises by collective oscillation of the free electrons in a metallic nanostructure.
Implementation Method 2
the radiative induced dipole is caused based on the theory of Förster's energy transfer
Implementation Method 3
The metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more large-size metal-based particles... allows plasmon resonance to have an effect over a range extended to a significantly large distance
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a metal-based particle assembly comprising 30 or more metal-based particles separated from each other and disposed in two dimensions, the metal-based particles having an average particle diameter in a range of from 200 to 1600 nm, an average height in a range of from 55 to 500 nm, and an aspect ratio, as defined by a ratio of the average particle diameter to the average height, in a range of from 1 to 8, wherein the metal-based particles are disposed such that an average distance between adjacent metal-based particles may be in a range of from 1 to 150 nm. This metal-based particle assembly presents significantly intense plasmon resonance and also allows plasmon resonance to have an effect over a range extended to a significantly large distance.