Optical Properties and Optimization of LaB6 Thin Films for Photothermal Applications

The growth of highly crystalline LaB6 films with an excellent optical response and low loss is reported, which will be useful for high-performance photothermal device applications when combined with their inherent refractory properties. Optimum growth parameters for realizing uniaxial and coherent LaB6 thin films, exhibiting an excellent plasmonic response for near- to mid-infrared device applications, are established. Numerical electromagnetic simulations of the epitaxial LaB6 nanostructures revealed that the electromagnetic field at the LaB6 surface can be as high as that of the Au nanostructures. Furthermore, the LaB6 nanostructures show resonance in the visible (red) to mid-infrared region comparable to those of Au with the added advantage of improved temperature stability that can withstand harsh photothermal device operations.