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 Ag n 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 Ag n nanocluster creation and subsequent spectral dynamics, illustrating the equilibrium between nanocluster creation and destruction.