Applications of nanoparticle-containing solid glass and optical fibers

The development of glasses with metallic nanoparticles, such as silver and gold, has been the focus of much recent research, as these materials can be used not only in the textile, biology, electronics and catalysis industries, but also in optics and photovoltaics. Most of these applications rely on the optical response of the material, called SPR (surface plasmon resonance) and described as the collective oscillation of conduction band electrons that are in resonance with the oscillating electric field of incident light. This response depends on several factors: not only the morphology and aggregation of metal nanoparticles, but also the surrounding medium. For example, silver and copper oxide in silica have been used as solar coatings to collect solar...