Alignment of Ag nanoparticles by an external electric field proposed for metamaterial applications

The ability to control the DNG properties of metamaterials in the microwave range makes possible many new constructions and practical applications. In addition, since the fabrication of ordered metamaterials with metallic structure arrays is habitually complex, the mass production of these structures is being prevented. For this purpose, a control on spatial structure of random metamaterial at the nanoscale dimensions was performed. Here, we demonstrate the alignment of dispersed Ag nanoparticles subjected to external AC electric field created by quadrupole electrode in refluxing condition at 180 °C. External electric field allows for alignment of the well-dispersed Ag nanoparticles with long-range orientational order. The effects of the AC electric field on the DNG region that obtained in the microwave range can be accompanied with a control on optical performances, even in the plasmonic field for future studies. This achievement provides a new way toward the development of random metamaterial devices.