Production of nanoparticles by laser-induced ablation of metals in liquids

The production of noble metal (Ag and Au) nanoparticles upon the ablation of metal targets in liquids (H2O, C2H5OH, etc.) caused by irradiation by a copper vapour laser is studied. The nanoparticles emerging in a liquid are investigated using X-ray diffractometry, optical absorption spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The colloidal nanoparticle solutions exhibits a distinct plasmon resonance at 520 and 400 nm for Au and Ag, respectively. It is shown that the proximity of laser wavelength to the resonance makes it possible to decrease the dimension of nanoparticles by irradiating the colloidal solution. The size distribution function of nanoparticles is simulated taking into account the production, coagulation, and splitting of nanopartiles in the laser beam.