Peng Zheng

Date of Graduation

2014

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Type

MS

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Industrial and Managements Systems Engineering

Committee Chair

Nianqiang Wu

Committee Co-Chair

Yuxin Liu

Committee Member

Ever Barbero

Committee Member

Yuxin Liu

Committee Member

Yon Rojanasakul

Committee Member

Nianqiang Wu

Abstract

Localized and periodic optical modes co-exist in plasmonic nanohole arrays leading to a unique mix of optical properties. In this thesis, a simultaneous experimental and theoretical investigation is used to investigate the origin of each optical mode, explaining the mix between extraordinary optical transmission, enhanced absorption, and local electromagnetic field concentration. Additionally, the hole array diameter, film thickness, and periodicity are systematically varied to explore the tuning and cross over between the multiple optical modes. The nanohole array to nanotriangle array transition is investigated, showing how the localized surface plasmon resonance evolves into the periodic surface plasmon polariton mode. These effects are correlated to the SERS intensity, revealing the relative amount that defects, the local field strength, and the reflectance combine to modulate performance.;Optimization of the SERS and optical related parameters is used to create a facile, ultrasensitive, highly selective, and reproducible sensor for silver ion detection based on Au nanohole arrays and Au nanostar MGITC SiO2 sandwich nanostructure. In the presence of silver ions, C-Ag +-C mismatches hybridize to bring single stranded DNA attached to the Au nanohole array and Au nanostar MGITC SiO2 together. This hybridizes the local electromagnetic field between the two plasmonic nanostructures, increasing the SERS intensity, and allowing a limit of detection of 170 fM. The complimentary DNA sequence leads to excellent stability and anti-interference. The design parameters, physical origin, and sensor design strategy developed in this thesis will guide the future development of plasmonic light enhancement architectures and SERS based sensors.

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