Surface plasmon resonance-mediated colloid gold monolayer junctions.

Because of the localized field amplification that occurs, excitation of surface plasmons (SPs) in metal nanoparticle-based current-carrying nanoelectronic devices is expected to lead to new and interesting applications. We report a simple way to prepare surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-mediated colloid Au monolayer junctions by a wet chemistry and soft top electrode deposition. The SPR-enhanced junction current is observed upon illumination with light of energies close to the nanoparticle plasmon resonance wavelengths. This current is superimposed on tunneling current observed in the absence of surface plasmons.