Plasmon Resonances in 1D Nanowire Arrays and 3D Nanowire Networks of Topological Insulators and Metals

The 1D nanowire arrays and 3D nanowire networks of topological insulators and metals have been fabricated by template-assisted deposition of Bi(2)Te(3) and Ni inside anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates, respectively. Despite the different origins of the plasmon capabilities of the two materials, the results indicate that the optical response is determined by plasmon resonances, whose position depends on the nanowire interactions and material properties. Due to the thermoelectric properties of Bi(2)Te(3) nanowires, these plasmon resonances could be used to develop new ways of enhancing thermal gradients and their associated thermoelectric power.