Plasmonic absorption-induced haze suppression in random scattering media
Light propagation in random scattering media is a common phenomenon in many scientific and engineering fields. Because of light-matter interaction, part of the light transmitted through a random scattering medium is diffuse and causes haze. Previous approaches to manipulate haze in random media mainly focused on regulating scattering and paid little attention to absorption. In this work, we present a comprehensive analysis of absorption-scattering coupling as well as its impact on haze in random media. We introduce the haze-absorption sensitivity (HAS) spectrum, an intrinsic property of a scattering medium that quantifies the potential of absorption-induced haze suppression. We also investigate the effect of scatterer geometry and concentration on the HAS spectrum. To experimentally demonstrate the effect of absorption in random media, we utilized the plasmonic absorption of silver and gold nanoparticles to reduce haze in a silica nanoparticle aqueous solution as the scattering medium. We showed that 15% (absolute) of haze suppression is possible by carefully choosing the optimal absorber. The experimental results closely matched the theoretical predictions. This work provides new understandings of absorption and scattering coupling in random media. The fundamental mechanisms elucidated in this work can offer new pathways for regulating haze in a variety of random scattering media.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy (ARPA-E)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AR0000471
- OSTI ID:
- 1529041
- Journal Information:
- Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 25 Vol. 114; ISSN 0003-6951
- Publisher:
- American Institute of PhysicsCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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