When molecules or clusters are within the proximity of metal particles, their electronic transitions can be drastically enhanced. We have now probed the off-resonance excitation of molecule-like, glutathione-capped gold clusters (Au-GSH) in the close proximity of larger (plasmonic) Au and Ag nanoparticles. The excited state absorption spectrum of Au-GSH* is obtained with monophotonic excitation. The characteristic absorption of Au-GSH* allows us to probe the influence of excited plasmonic nanoparticles coupled with the clusters. Although infrared (775 nm) lasers pulses do not produce Au-GSH*, the excited states of these clusters are formed when coupled with metal (Au, Ag) nanoparticles. Interestingly, the coupled excitation of Au-GSH/AgNP with 775 nm laser pulses also results in an enhanced field effect, as seen from increased plasmon response of the metal nanoparticles. Transient absorption measurements confirm the synergy between these two inherently different nanomaterials, causing them to display greater excitation features. Better understanding of metal cluster-metal nanoparticle interactions will have important implications in designing light harvesting systems, and optoelectronic devices.
Keywords: metal clusters; metal nanoparticles; plasmon excitation; transient adsorption spectroscopy.