Gold nanoparticles are tiny particles of gold that are typically only a few nanometres in size. They have a number of unique properties that make them useful for a variety of applications, including their ability to absorb and scatter light.
When gold nanoparticles are irradiated with short laser pulses, they can absorb the energy from the laser and convert it into heat. This heat can then be used to kill cancer cells or to generate electricity.
The researchers used a technique called plasmonic photothermal therapy to selectively heat gold nanoparticles. Plasmonic photothermal therapy involves using light to excite the surface plasmons of gold nanoparticles. Surface plasmons are collective oscillations of electrons that occur on the surface of metal nanoparticles.
When surface plasmons are excited, they can generate heat. This heat can then be used to kill cancer cells or to generate electricity.
The researchers showed that they could selectively heat gold nanoparticles in a solution of water. They were able to do this by controlling the wavelength of the laser light and the size of the gold nanoparticles.
The researchers believe that their technique could have a number of potential applications. For example, it could be used to treat cancer by selectively heating gold nanoparticles that have been attached to cancer cells. It could also be used to generate electricity by converting the heat from gold nanoparticles into electricity.
The researchers are currently working on developing their technique for use in real-world applications.
