Optical characteristics of composites obtained by ion implantation of silver ions in polyethylene terephthalate

Metal-polymer composites are obtained by implantation of 30 keV silver ions at doses D = 1a (TM) 10(16)-1.5a (TM) 10(17) cm(-2) and ion current densities j = 4.0 mu A/cm(2) in films of polyethylene terephthalate. The spectral dependences of the reflection, transmission, and extinction coefficients for wavelengths of 190-1100 nm are studied. The reflection bands at lambda(1) = 205 nm and lambda(2) = 260 nm are found to be enhanced for light incident on the unimplanted side. Surface plasmon resonances on the silver nanoparticles are investigated. The refractive index of the modified layer is calculated and the sizes of the silver nanoparticles are estimated using a two-layer model of this structure together with the optical measurements. Depending on the implantation dose, these are found to vary over 1.3-2.8 and 5-20 nm, respectively.