Laser annealing induced melting of silver nanoparticles in a glass matrix

We have studied the effect of nanosecond-pulsed KrF excimer laser radiation on a composite metamaterial based on a soda-lime-silicate glass containing ion-synthesized silver nanoparticles, depending on the number of pulses. It is established that, as the number of laser pulses increases, the average size of silver nanoparticles in the ion-implanted layer monotonically decreases. In addition, the laser annealing is accompanied by the diffusion of silver inward the glass and by the partial evaporation of silver from the sample surface. The observed decrease in the size of silver nanoparticles is considered with allowance for the simultaneous melting of both the metal particles and glass matrix.