Plasmon / interband transitions coupling in the UV from large scale nanostructured Ni films

Abstract : We report on the synthesis of Ni nanoparticles via thin film thermal annealing. The as prepared particles exhibit a tunable average diameter ranging from 13 nm to 44 nm depending on the initial deposited film thickness and are covered with a stable NiO x shell. This technique is suitable for large scale fabrication of Ni nanoparticles onto substrates. The study of the magnetic and optical properties of these nanostructures revealed a ferromagnetic behaviour at room temperature and a localized surface plasmon resonance in the UV-range, promoting Ni nanoparticles as a suitable material for UV-plasmonic applications. The coupling between plasmon and interband transitions have also been studied.