Nanoparticle processing for optical applications – A review

This article provides an overview of current research on nanoparticle processing for optical applications. We elaborate on four nanoparticle processing methods: (i) an aerosol spray method, (ii) nanoparticle dispersion, (iii) a nanoparticle coating method for making films, and (iv) an electrospinning method for making fibers from a nanoparticle dispersion. The use of aerosol spray methods for the preparation of nanoparticles and nanostructured particles for application in optical materials is reviewed. Nanoparticle dispersion techniques for the synthesis of unique composite organic/inorganic materials with unique optical properties are discussed. Preparation of self-assembled monolayer particle films, layer-by-layer films, and fibers consisting of nanoparticles was also introduced. We also highlight the range of unique optical properties associated with optical materials that result from nanoparticle processing, such as a controllable refractive index, transparency, photoluminescence, photonic crystal, and plasmon resonance.