Modification of the optical properties of Ag-implanted silica by annealing in two different atmospheres

Significant changes in the optical properties of nanometer-size Ag clusters embedded in high-purity silica were obtained. Samples were prepared by 2 MeV Ag-ion implantation with fluences in the 2.8–3.8×1016 ions/cm2 range and subsequent annealing at various temperatures in air (oxidizing atmosphere) or in a hydrogen-rich atmosphere (reducing atmosphere). Changes consisted of large and small blueshifts of the resonance surface plasmon peak position, light absorption modification in the ultraviolet (UV) region, increased optical extinction in all the spectrum wavelength range, and different resonance peak height depending on annealing atmosphere. Optical property changes were analyzed in terms of Ag cluster size, interaction at cluster–matrix interface, cluster hydrogen content, diffusivity and conductivity. Bands in the UV region are reported.