Friday, 6th January 2006 (4175 views)

Gold "shines" in a uniquely different way at the nanoparticle level, say researchers at the US Department of Energy.

Scientists at the Argonne National Laboratory found that nanoscale gold exhibits light completely differently to conventional substances.

It was the distinctive rod-like structure of gold nanoparticles that led to the discovery. The rod shape was found to increase and concentrate light intensity allowing it to create the luminescent properties.

The researchers were then able to control the wavelength of light emitted by the gold nanoparticles, generating the possibility for it to be used as a light source in an optical chip.

The research has important bearings on technological advances, since it might allow for the production of radical optical devices that are both smaller and faster than those commercially available at present.

It could also be used in the development of photluminescent sensor technology.

Particles at the nanoscale are one-billionth of a metre in size, which equates to 70,000 times smaller than the width of the human hair.

Materials like gold at the nanoscale show display different characteristics at this level and are the subject of ongoing scientific study to determine why.

 

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