  Core-shell Au@pNIPAM nanocomposites are assembled through a simple and
inexpensive approach where drops of bulk nanoparticle solution are left to dry
on ITO surfaces at fixed and finely tuned temperatures. Interparticle distances
are determined by the length of the thermoresponsive PNiPAM shell which acts as
mechanical spacer. Structural characterization is performed through microscope
imaging techniques and we quantify the pair and orientational correlation
functions characteristic to each array at each deposition temperature. The
elasticity of the polymer shell at each temperature is considered as microgels
are softer at temperatures below PNiPAM's LCST. In a second step, previously
prepared Au@PNiPAM arrays are exposed to atmospheric plasma. Plasma reacts and
degrades the PNiPAM shell, being non-invasive to Au cores which remain at their
original array positions.
