Optical properties of planar structures containing oxidized copper nanoparticles

Planar structures consisting of oxidized copper granules obtained by laser electrodispersion are studied. The samples have different packing densities of granules and different amounts of their chains and aggregates. Each granule 5.5 ± 0.5 nm in size consists of a copper core with an amorphous structure and an oxide shell of about 0.7 nm thick. Some granules are randomly charged. The spectra of coherent transmission, diffusion transmission, and reflection of the samples are measured. Using the experimental data, the absorption spectra and the effective absorption, extinction, and scattering coefficients of monolayers are calculated and the luminescence spectra are estimated. A long-wavelength shift of the plasmon resonance of the copper granules with oxide shells as compared to that of the unoxidized granules is observed. The shift depends on the thickness of the oxide layer. A similar shift of the plasmon resonance is observed for the chains of copper granules. The spectra are compared with the spectra calculated theoretically taking into account some parameters of the planar structures and the size dependence of the optical constants of copper. The luminescence observed in some cases is associated with specifics of oxidation of copper granules.