Dichroic switching of core–shell plasmonic nanoparticles on reflective surfaces

Abstract

Plasmonic metal nanostructures can simultaneously scatter and absorb light, with resonance wavelength and strength depending on their morphology and composition. This work demonstrates that unique dichroic effects and high-contrast colour-switching can be achieved by leveraging the resonant scattering and absorption of light by plasmonic nanostructures and the specular reflection of the resulting transmitted light. Using core/shell nanostructures comprising a metal core and a dielectric shell, we show that their spray coating on reflective substrates produces dichroic films that can display colour switching at different viewing angles. The high-contrast colour switching, high flexibility in designingmulticolour patterns, and convenience for large-scale production promise their wide range of applications, including anticounterfeiting, mechanochromic sensing, colour display, and printing.

Keywords

absorbance / dichroic property / localized surface plasmon resonance / plasmonics / reflection / scattering / transmittance

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2023 2023 The Authors. Exploration published by Henan University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.