Mechanism of Ag<i>_n</i> Nanocluster Photoproduction from Silver Oxide Films

Abstract

Thin AgO films are readily photoactivated at room temperature to produce dynamic, multicolored fluorescent Agn nanoclusters. Writing efficiencies were separately examined as functions of excitation wavelength, intensity, and environmental interactions. The effects of external conditions on written nanocluster fluorescence are interpreted in terms of a mechanistic understanding of fluorescent Agn nanocluster creation and subsequent spectral dynamics, illustrating the equilibrium between nanocluster creation and destruction.