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Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Nano-particles Embedded in Dielectric Medium for UV region: Numerical Simulation

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Abstract

Zinc oxide nano-particles have been used by cosmetic industry for many years because they are extensively used as agents to attenuate (absorb and/or scatter) the ultraviolet radiation. In the most UV-attenuating agent is formulated in which the metal oxide nano-particles are incorporated into liquid media or polymer media are manufactured, such as sunscreens and skin care cosmetics. In this paper we study the wavelength dependence on the particle size (r eff = 10–100 nm) by solving the scattering problem of hexagonal ZnO particle for different shapes (plate, equal ratio, column) using the discrete dipole approximation method to find the absorption, scattering, and extinction efficiencies for the UV region (30–400 nm). A new modified hexagonal shape is introduced to determine the scattering problem and it is assumed in this study that the wavelength is comparable to the particle size. From these results, we conclude that the optimum particle radius to block the UV radiation is between r eff = 40–80 nm.

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  1. Physical Electronics and Photonics, Department of Physics, Göteborg University, SE-41296, Göteborg, Sweden

    S. M. Al-Hilli & M. Willander

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  1. S. M. Al-Hilli
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  2. M. Willander
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Correspondence to S. M. Al-Hilli.

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Al-Hilli, S.M., Willander, M. Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Nano-particles Embedded in Dielectric Medium for UV region: Numerical Simulation. J Nanopart Res 8, 79–97 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11051-005-8024-2

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