Light scattering calculations from Au and Au/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles

Given the importance of the optical properties of Au and Au/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles, in this article we focus our attention on the light scattering properties of such systems and on a relative comparison. In particular, we report theoretical results of angle-dependent light scattering intensity and scattering efficiency for Au and Au/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles increasing the Au particle radius from 30 to 130 nm, and for Au/SiO2 core/shell particles changing the core-to-shell sizes ratio. Finally, a comparison between the scattering efficiency of the Au and Au/SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles is drawn. The results of this work can be used in the design of tunable efficiency light scattering devices (biological and molecular sensors, solar cells).

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► Light scattering properties of Au and Au/SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles are studied.
► Size-dependent light scattering intensity diagrams of Au and Au/SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles are simulated.
► Size-dependent light scattering efficiency of Au and Au/SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles are calculated.
► Simulated light scattering properties of Au and Au/SiO2 core–shell nanoparticles are compared.