Single-pulse transformation of Ag thin film into nanoparticles via laser-induced dewetting

In this study, we show that Ag thin films deposited on glass can be transformed into nanoparticles by laser-induced dewetting using a nanosecond-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. The film could be completely dewetted by a single pulse and the pulse energy density required for a 10 nm-thick Ag film was 86 mJ/cm ² at λ = 1064 nm. This made it possible to dewet a film area of ∼10 cm ² by a single pulse with energy of 850 mJ. The produced particles exhibited a monomodal size distribution and the mean particle size increased as the initial film thickness increased. Repeated exposure to pulses induced no noticeable change in the particle size distribution. The initial film thickness was the only factor that determined the mean particle size. The absorption spectra of dewetted films were well consistent with the surface plasma resonance behaviors of metal nanoparticles. This process provides a facile and scalable method of forming metal nanoparticle arrays for plasmonic and other applications.