  Using time-resolved pump-probe spectroscopy we have performed the first
investigation of the vibrational modes of gold nanoshells. The fundamental
isotropic mode launched by a femtosecond pump pulse manifests itself in a
pronounced time-domain modulation of the differential transmission probed at
the frequency of nanoshell surface plasmon resonance. The modulation amplitude
is significantly stronger and the period is longer than in a gold nanoparticle
of the same overall size, in agreement with theoretical calculations. This
distinct acoustical signature of nanoshells provides a new and efficient method
for identifying these versatile nanostructures and for studying their
mechanical and structural properties.
