Quantitative Ultrafast Electron-Temperature Dynamics in Photo-Excited Au Nanoparticles

TL;DR

This study measures the ultrafast evolution of electron temperature in laser-excited gold nanoparticles using time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy, providing insights into electron dynamics relevant for technological applications.

Contribution

It introduces a direct method to measure femtosecond electron-temperature dynamics in gold nanoparticles with high resolution.

Findings

Measured electron temperature evolution in gold nanoparticles.

Provided detailed ultrafast electron-gas dynamics.

Data will improve models of femtosecond processes.

Abstract

The femtosecond evolution of the electronic temperature of laser-excited gold nanoparticles is measured, by means of ultrafast time-resolved photoemission spectroscopy induced by extreme-ultraviolet radiation pulses. The temperature of the electron gas is deduced by recording and fitting high-resolution photo emission spectra around the Fermi edge of gold nanoparticles providing a direct, unambiguous picture of the ultrafast electron-gas dynamics. These results will be instrumental to the refinement of existing models of femtosecond processes in laterally-confined and bulk condensed-matter systems, and for understanding more deeply the role of hot electrons in technological applications.