Abstract
Optical spectra and atomic force microscopy (AFM) images of individually selected spheres and mechanically assembled silica-coated gold nanosphere pairs were recorded. The 10-nm spacing of the spheres allowed discrete dipole approximation (DDA) computational simulations to provide a meaningful results regarding the dimers. Both the data and simulation indicate that the silica shell integrity was maintained throughout the assembly, so that the shell therefore served as a means of rigid control of the spacing between the metal cores. Optical perturbative effects due to the presence of the fused silica substrate were negligible. Experimental investigations regarding less rigid polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) coatings also were performed and some comparisons were made.