| abstract |
Methods and apparatus provided with selected nanoparticles that exhibit the plasmon resonance effect to enhance photoprocesses. In a first embodiment, such nanoparticles are used in a method of forming an integrated circuit; and in additional embodiments, the nanoparticles are used to increase the catalytic effect of a metal catalyst to increase the rate at which molecules absorb light, to accelerate the reduction of carbon dioxide to formic acid, to accelerate the decomposition of pollutants, and to accelerate the reaction of two reactants to produce a fuel. Additional embodiments utilize the plasmon resonance effect to enhance the effect of solar energy on a solar responsive electrode of a photochemical battery, and to inhibit the passage of ultraviolet light through a sunscreen. Also, in accordance with the present invention, nanoparticles that exhibit the plasmon resonance effect are used to improve a test for a solution for a bio-agent, and to develop fingerprints on a surface. |