Noble-metal nanoparticles and short pulses for nanomanipulations: theoretical analysis

The rapid temperature change and the near-field enhancement resulting from resonant interactions between short laser pulses and noble-metal nanoparticles could be utilized for precise manipulations of matter on a nanometric scale. Here, we present a theoretical study of the relative effects of various experimental parameters, including pulse duration, irradiance, and wavelength, and a particle's substance, size, and shape. We show that spatially confined, local nanometric interactions between a particle and its near surroundings are feasible using 50 nm gold and silver nanospheres illuminated by laser pulses shorter than 70 fs and 90 fs, respectively, with no particle melting and minimal collateral damage. The results of this work could be useful for researchers in various fields, who aim at manipulating matter on the smallest possible scales, with high specificity and accuracy. (C) 2012 Optical Society of America