Metalattices are nanostructured 3D ordered hybrid materials on the range of sub 100 nm (sub wave-length scale). Metalattices are comprised of dielectric silica nanospheres and meta-atoms linked through thin interconnected channels called meta-bonds. A void-free infiltration of these 3D ordered frameworks with semiconducting materials and/or noble metals can provide versatile and tunable integrated plasmonic interconnects with large optical confinement and long propagation distance. While, various noble metal (gold and silver) based nanostructures have shown promise for their plasmonic behavior, this work will explore artificial 3D ordered metal-filled metalattices as a novel plasmonic structure.<br/>In this study, monochromated electron-energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) in conjunction with aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy dispersive x-ray microanalysis (EDXS) are utilized to determine the nanoscale optical response of metalattices via energy filtered mapping of the electromagnetic hotspots associated with the localized surface plasmon resonances (SPRs) at the nanoscale level on noble metal- and semiconductor-filled metalattices. This work will explore propagation of plasmons with periodic etched cavities in the metalattice framework. Theoretical simulations coupled with experimental data indicate the localized and delocalized plasmon modes within the framework leading to long propagation distances with higher energy loss. Understanding and nanoengineering the chemistry, size, and geometry of metalattice materials is the key to produce a more efficient electromagnetic energy storage in nanoplasmonics, enhanced biological and chemical sensing, and optical data storage, among other applications.

Plasmonic metalattices probed by high energy resolution using STEM/EELS

2019 Fall National Meeting

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