Direct Observation of the Local-Field-Enhanced Surface Photochemical Reactions

Abstract

The enhancement of photochemical reactions on surface-supported metallic particles is reported. The result is obtained by uv photodissociation of organometallic molecules adsorbed on the supporting surface. Transmission electron-microscope micrographs of the resulting photodeposited film reveal enhanced deposition on and near the metal particles, and a clear interference pattern resulting from the mixing of the incident and reradiated light. The importance of the particle plasma resonance is described.