Reversible tuning of silver quantum dot monolayers through the metal-insulator transition

The linear and nonlinear (chi((2))) optical responses of Langmuir monolayers of organically functionalized silver quantum dots were measured as a continuous function of interparticle separation under near-ambient conditions. As the distance between metal surfaces was decreased from 12 to similar to 5 angstroms, both quantum and classical effects were observed in the optical signals. When the separation was less than 5 angstroms, the optical second-harmonic generation (SHG) response exhibited a sharp discontinuity, and the linear reflectance and absorbance began to resemble those of a thin metallic film, indicating that an insulator-to-metal transition occurred. This transition was reversible.