Gold nanowires 20 nm thick and 200 nm to 2000 nm in length with absorptions
from the near to mid-IR will improve solar cell efficiencies, optics, and nanoelectronics.
A revolutionary new gold nanoparticle manufacturing method has been developed
that results in gold nanowires that are upwards of 2 microns in length and only
20 nm in diameter. These ultra-long devices exhibit tremendous photothermal
properties, converting up to 90% of incident light energy to heat. Their tunable
optical absorption range is from 1 to 10 microns.
Nanowires are an extension of the technology currently employed by Nanopartz™
for nanorods. Gold nanorods have recently found huge successes in cancer therapy.
Gold nanorods are also used for blood testing in diagnostics; as optical contrast
agents in imaging; in material science, optics, negative refractive index materials
such as the "Harry Potter Cloak;" and for improving the density
of optical data storage in compact disks.
With tunable absorptions in the near to mid-IR, solar cell manufacturers can
use these devices to improve the efficiencies of their devices since current
devices do not absorb well at these wavelengths. Their shapes lend themselves
to be a component in better optical devices like polarizers, filters, and negative
refractive index materials. Many scientists have employed these devices as wires
in nanocircuitry.
Nanopartz™ is also experts in conjugating surface coatings to these
gold nanoparticles. These conjugation provide the mechanical linkage necessary
for many of these applications.
These devices are now available for evaluation at pre-production quantities.
"We are very excited at the potential applications of these gold nanoparticles,"
said Christian Schoen, President of Nanopartz™.