Plasmon decay dynamics in hybrid metal/doped-semiconductor nanostructures

The study of interactions between plasmonic nanomaterials and dielectrics is a thriving field of research, which in recent years proved that such nanostructures can be applied in a wide range of applications, from sensing to catalysts. These are all based on the nanoscale surface interactions happening between the nanomaterials and their surrounding environment. In this thesis, the possible interaction between plasmonic nanoparticles and the V doping states in the Anatase (TiO_2) bandgap, rather than in their undoped counterpart, is studied. The aim is to better understand the dynamics of these phenomena, and obtaining insights on the V states position in the TiO_2 bandgap. The work done encompasses all the steps needed to achieve the experimental results: from the preparation and characterisation of the samples, to the simulations of the phenomena involved, until the actual measurements of their optical properties and the discussion of the results. The findings achieved are not decisive in explaining the dynamics involved, but preliminary interpretations could be formulated. Moreover, the specific investigations displayed in this thesis have never been done before in literature, and the work performed might be used in the future as a starting point for more thorough and deep studies of these phenomena.