Surface plasmon enhanced ultraviolet emission and observation of random lasing from self-assembly Zn/ZnO composite nanowires

Abstract

Self-assembly Zn/ZnO composite nanowires were successfully synthesized via a simple chemical vapor deposition method. The composition and crystal structure of the Zn/ZnO composite nanowires were characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The surface of the ZnO nanowires was decorated with Zn nanoparticles. Their photoluminescence properties were measured, indicating that the near-band edge emission intensity was significantly enhanced and visible emission was suppressed, which originates from the coupling between surface plasmons and the near-band edge emission of ZnO (or electromagnetic field). Random lasing from Zn/ZnO composite nanowires was observed due to the surface plasmon resonant effect. Our results show a convenient way to achieve laser action by the surface plasmon resonant effect.