Optical and microstructural properties of Au alloyed Al–O sputter deposited coatings

Publication date: 1 January 2016
Source:Thin Solid Films, Volume 598
Author(s): N.M. Figueiredo, F. Vaz, L. Cunha, Y.T. Pei, J.T.M. De Hosson, A. Cavaleiro
This research is focused on the microstructure and optical properties of an Al–O dielectric matrix incorporated with increasing Au contents up to 11at.%. For the as-deposited coatings, the Au atoms appear to be alloyed into the amorphous oxide matrix, although a small fraction of Au atoms can also be incorporated in the form of very small nanoparticles (<1–2nm). Precipitation of Au nanoparticles was found in the coatings after annealing at increasing temperatures. Au clustering in the dielectric matrix was able to promote the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) effect, a desirable effect for applications in decorative and sensors fields.