Exceptional broadband absorption of nanoporous gold explained by plasmonic resonances at dangling ligaments

Nanoporous gold (npAu) has emerged as a potential candidate for many optical applications, exploiting its large surface-to-volume ratio and high broadband absorption. However, the physical origin of its enhanced visible and near infrared absorption remained unclear and was rather explained by simplified phenomenological models. Here, we have employed leveled-wave approximants to simulate the optical response of realistic npAu structures. First, our simulations reproduced well the experimental absorption spectra. Second, we identify multiple resonances in the gaps between dangling ligaments that occur at the top and bottom surfaces of npAu films as the key contribution to the broadband absorption. These resonances at the surface of npAu cannot be captured by bulk effective medium models and should be considered separately as a surface effect. The additional absorption due to dangling ligaments contributes up to 80% to the overall absorption of npAu. Our results provide deeper insights into the absorption behavior of npAu, indicating promising avenues for photocatalysis and sensing applications.