Formation of nanoparticles from thin silver films under a liquid layer by single-shot nanosecond laser action

In this study, we show that Ag thin films (10 nm thickness) deposited on a glass substrate can be transformed into nanoparticles by laser-induced dewetting using a pulsed Nd:YAG laser operated at λ = 532 nm. The film could be entirely dewetted by a single pulse, and the required fluence was about 100 mJ/cm2. The properties of fabricated nanostructures are investigated by scanning electron microscopy and optical spectroscopy. The size distribution of produced particles and the absorption spectra of dewetted films were found. This process provides a facile and scalable method of forming metal nanoparticle arrays for plasmonic and other applications.