Controlling directional emission of ions attached on the surface of nanoparticles

Abstract The interaction between lasers and nanoparticles holds significant theoretical and practical importance. Here, we investigate the near-field enhancement effects on silver nanotriangles and nanodiscs under ultrafast laser pulses, as well as the dynamics of protons and ions attached to the nanoparticle surfaces. By adjusting the size parameters of the nanoparticles, we explore the near-field enhancement effects and proton emission dynamics at different laser wavelengths. The results demonstrate that nanoparticles with varying morphologies substantially impact the proton momentum spectrum. The directional proton emission of nanotriangle structures is more pronounced compared to that of nanodiscs, and this effect can be further enhanced by adjusting the laser wavelength. Additionally, manipulating the thickness of particles also controls the Mie scattering phenomenon of light. Finally, we qualitatively discuss the emission processes of alpha particles and 9 C 6+ heavy ions. This research has important implications for proton and heavy ion radiotherapy in cancer treatment and targeted drug delivery, while providing theoretical foundations for understanding, characterizing, and controlling experimental studies of nanosystems with significant potential for expanding research into microdynamic behavior in complex nanomaterial superstructures.