Structural and Optical Characteristics of Ag Nanoparticles Embedded in Homoepitaxial SrTiO3 Thin Films

Silver nanoparticles embedded in homoepitaxial SrTiO3 thin films are prepared by laser molecular beam epitaxy technique combined with nanocluster beam source. Microstructural analysis reveals that Ag nanoparticles are well isolated within the film with an average size of 16nm. The existence of Ag nanoparticles alters the epitaxial growth orientation of SrTiO3 and makes the film deviate from the epitaxial growth orientation. The surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles is studied by optical absorption spectrum and photoluminescence spectrum. The position of surface plasmon resonance peak in the absorption spectrum is explained using modified Mie's theory.