Enhanced second harmonic generation through DNA-integrated plasmonic nanoparticles — a novel nonlinear optical approach

Abstract This study presents the development of advanced plasmonic nanoparticles specifically designed to amplify Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) signals. The core of this innovative approach lies in the strategic integration of gold and silver nanoparticles with DNA, a synergy meticulously tailored to exploit DNA's exceptional nonlinear optical properties alongside the plasmonic resonances of gold and silver. Unlike traditional plasmonic materials, such as graphene, silicon, and metals themselves, our design leverages DNA not just as a structural element but as a dynamic enhancer of SHG due to its unparalleled photon absorption and interaction capabilities at the nanoscale. Through advanced DNA-based modeling and simulation, we introduce a novel nanoparticle architecture optimized to surpass current SHG efficiency benchmarks, without incorporating gas sensing functionalities. This breakthrough not only signifies a significant leap in the field of nonlinear optics but also opens new avenues for the application of biomolecular components in enhancing plasmonic phenomena.