Laser-Assisted Formation of Elongated Au Nanoparticles and Subsequent Dynamics of Their Morphology under Pulsed Irradiation in Water

The processes of laser-assisted formation of elongated Au nanoparticles and their subsequent agglomeration and fragmentation have been experimentally investigated. Elongated gold nanoparticles were formed by laser ablation of a solid target in water. IR radiation of ytterbium-doped fiber laser with a pulse width of 200 ns and a pulse energy of 0.5 to 1 mJ was used to this end. The extinction spectra and transmission electron microscopy images indicate the formation of elongated gold nanoparticles. The interaction of laser radiation with aqueous colloids of elongated nanoparticles in dependence of the pulse energy and exposure time has been analyzed. Possible processes of laser-assisted formation of elongated Au nanoparticles and their subsequent transition from agglomeration to fragmentation of gold nanoparticles, induced by laser irradiation are discussed.