Plasmonic Hot Electron Injection refers to the process where hot electrons, generated by the decay of surface plasmons in metallic nanostructures, are injected into a nearby semiconductor or insulator. This occurs when incident light excites surface plasmons on the metal's surface, causing a rapid increase in energy among the electrons, leading to a non-equilibrium distribution of energy. These high-energy electrons can then overcome the energy barrier at the interface and be transferred into the adjacent material, which can significantly enhance photonic and electronic processes.
The efficiency of this injection is influenced by several factors, including the material properties, interface quality, and excitation wavelength. This mechanism has promising applications in photovoltaics, sensing, and catalysis, as it can facilitate improved charge separation and enhance overall device performance.
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