Abstract
In this study, thin films of 100-nm. polystyrene (PS) microspheres mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared, and changes in the attenuated total reflection (ATR) using surface plasmon (SP) excitation due to humidity adsorption were investigated. The PS microspheres contained luminescent dyes, and SP emission light due to these dyes was also observed. The sample configuration was prism /Ag film (50 nm) / sphere film structure. The ATR dip and SP emission peak angles shifted in line with the adsorption and desorption of humidity. Furthermore, the intensity of the SP emission light changed, and this was considered to be a result of the PVA swelling due to humidity adsorption. The humidity response of the ATR and SP emission light was repeatedly observed. The adsorbed mass was also monitored using a quartz crystal microbalance.
