Modification of optical properties of metal island films by electric field-assisted dissolution of clusters

Metal island films show unique optical properties owing to the local surface plasmon resonance of islands free electrons. In the present study, the electric field assisted dissolution of clusters in metal island films is reported. Island films of Au, Ag, and Cu are deposited under different conditions by thermal evaporation and coated with thin dielectric layers. The samples are treated with the simultaneous application of an intense electric field and temperature, leading to the sample partial or total bleaching due to the dissolution of metal clusters in the films. Owing the facility of production of metal island films and the inexpensive technical requirements of the dissolution process, this approach suggests a novel path for the production of low-cost photonic structures.