Effect of higher order nonlinear optical processes on optical absorption in the photorefractive BSO and BGO crystals

The processes of nonlinear refraction and nonlinear absorption are studied in the photorefractive Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ (BSO) and Bi₁₂GeO₂₀ (BGO) crystals at a wavelength of a picosecond Nd:YAG laser of 1064 nm. The nonlinear refraction in the crystals is shown to be related to the Kerr effect, and the nonlinear absorption at this wavelength, to three-photon absorption. The three-photon absorption coefficients of the BSO and BGO crystals are equal, respectively, to (2.5±0.8) ×10^?20 and (4.4±1.3) ×10^?20 cm³W^?2.     

Physical,optical and electrical properties of calcium bismuth borate glasses

The variation in physical, optical and electrical properties has been investigated as a function of Bi₂O₃ content in 20CaO?·?xBi₂O₃?·?(80???x)B₂O₃ (0?≤?x?≤?60, in mol%) glasses. The samples were prepared by normal melt-quenching process, and the optical absorption and reflection spectra were recorded in the wavelength range of 400–950 nm. The fundamental absorption edge has been identified from the optical absorption spectra. The optical band gap, E _g, for indirect allowed and indirect forbidden transitions has been determined from the available theories and its value lies between 1.80–2.37 eV and 1.08–2.19 eV, respectively. The theoretical fitting of the optical absorption indicates that the present glass system behaves as an indirect gap semiconductor. The origin of the Urbach energy, ΔE, has been associated with the phonon-assisted indirect transitions. The refractive index and optical dielectric constant have been evaluated from the reflection spectra. The density and molar volume are found to depend on the molar concentration of Bi₂O₃. The values of DC electrical conductivity have been measured from 373 to 623 K and the activation energy has been calculated. Theoretical optical basicity has been reported as a function of the Bi₂O₃ content. The variations have been discussed in terms of structural changes.     

Optical band gap studies and estimation of two photon absorption coefficient in alkali bismuth borate glasses

The optical absorption spectra of the glasses with composition xBi₂O₃·(30???x)R₂O·70B₂O₃ (R?Li, Na, K) and xBi₂O₃·(70???x)B₂O₃·30Li₂O (0?≤?x?≤?20) have been recorded in the wavelength range 350–650?nm. The glass samples were prepared by the normal melt–quench technique. The fundamental absorption edge for all the series of glasses is analyzed using the theory of Davis and Mott. The position of absorption edges and the values of optical band gap are dependent on the mol% of Bi₂O₃. The absorption in these glasses is associated with indirect transitions. The values of Urbach's energy and band tailing parameters are reported. The two photon absorption coefficient, β, in these glasses has also been estimated from the optical band gap and its value ranges from 1.3 to 11.6?cm/GW. The relationship between β and glass composition has also been discussed in terms of the electronic structure of the glass system.     

Determination of the thickness and optical constants of amorphous Ge–Se–Bi thin films

The effect of varying bismuth concentration on the optical constants of amorphous Ge₂₀Se_{80? x} Bi _x (where x = 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12 at%) thin films prepared by thermal evaporation has been investigated. The transmission spectra T(λ) of the films at normal incidence were obtained in the spectral region from 400 to 2500 nm. An analysis proposed by Swanepoel [J. Phys. E: Sci. Instrum. 16 (1983) p.1214], based on the use of the maxima and minima of the interference fringes, was applied to derive the real and imaginary parts of the complex index of refraction and also the film thickness. Increasing bismuth content was found to affect the refractive index and extinction coefficient of the Ge₂₀Se_{80? x} Bi _x films. Optical absorption measurements show that the fundamental absorption edge is a function of composition. With increasing bismuth content, the refractive index increases while the optical band gap decreases.     

Light Dispersion in Bismuth Germanate Crystals and Bismuth Oxide Films

The dispersion of light in Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ and Bi₁₂GeO₂₀ single crystals and thin Bi₂O₃ films with a monoclinic structure was investigated in the visible spectral region. The parameters of a single-oscillator approximation have been found. It is established that in Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ crystals the absorption band caused by the O2p–Bi6p transitions makes the main contribution to the dispersion curve in the visible region, whereas in Bi₁₂GeO₂₀ crystals this is made by transitions from the hybrid O2p–Bi6p states to the conduction band. The dispersion energy, the degree of the ionicity of binding, and the coordination number of the first coordination sphere of the Bi³⁺ cation have been determined.     

Thermal ionization of impurity centers in Fe-doped Bi12SiO20 and Bi12GeO20 crystals

The spectral and temperature dependence of the optical absorption and thermally stimulated depolarization currents in Fe-doped Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ and Bi₁₂GeO₂₀ crystals are investigated in the photon energy range 1.36–3.46 eV and temperature 85–750 K. The results show thermally induced electron redistribution between donor and acceptor levels and defect association-dissociation processes and are discussed using the configuration-coordinate model. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 41, 1006–1011 (June 1999)     

Effect of Bi2O3 content on physical and optical properties of 15Li2O-15K2O-xBi2O3-(65−x) B2O3: 5V2O5 glass system

Multi-component bismuth borate glasses doped with vanadium ions 15Li₂O-15K₂O-xBi₂O₃-(65−x) B₂O₃: 5V₂O_5, (x=3, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 15) have been prepared using conventional melt quench technique. Characterization of the prepared glasses has been done using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and density measurements. The effect of Bi₂O₃ content on the optical properties of the present glass system is studied from the optical absorption spectra recorded in the wavelength range 200-800 nm. The fundamental absorption edge has been identified from the optical absorption spectra. The values of optical band gap for indirect allowed transitions have been determined using available theories. The origin of the Urbach energy is associated with the phonon-assisted indirect transitions. The density and molar volume studies indicate that Bi₂O₃ in these glasses is acting partly as network modifier and partly as network former. The variations in the optical band gap energies, density and molar volume with Bi₂O₃ content have been discussed in terms of changes in the glass structure. Values of the theoretical optical basicity, average crosslink density and the average electronic polarizability are also reported.     

Electron Paramagnetic Resonance,Optical Spectra and DC Conductivity Studies of Vanadyl Doped Bi2O3 · BaO · B2O3 Glasses

Glasses with composition xBi₂O₃ ·(0.30 - x)BaO · 0.70B₂O₃ have been prepared in the range (0.00 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) containing 2.0 mol% of V₂O₅. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), optical transmission and absorption spectra and DC conductivity of these glasses have been studied. The spin Hamiltonian parameters (SHP) of VO²⁺ ions, dipolar hyperfine coupling parameter P, Fermi contact interaction parameter K, and molecular orbital coefficients (α² and γ²) have been calculated. The SHP arc related with the theoretical optical basicity. A_th. The position of the absorption edge and the values of the optical band gap have also been reported. The effect of addition of Bi₂O₃ on the DC conductivity has also been studied.     

Thin sol-gel bismuth silicate films

The sol-gel method is used to obtain thin films with the composition Bi₁₂SiO₂₀. The characteristic features of the technology for obtaining the films are presented. Diffractometry confirmed that the films possess γ-Bi₂O₃-type structure. The transmission spectra of the films were investigated. The spectral dependence of the absorption coefficient of the films matches well with the spectra determined using bulk Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ crystals. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 41, 1003–1005 (June 1999)     

Photo-and thermally induced optical absorption and photoconductivity of sillenite crystals

A study is reported of photo-and thermally induced changes in the optical absorption and photo-conductivity spectra of Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ crystals in the 0.5–3.5 eV spectral interval, and of the temperature dependence of optical absorption for temperatures from 80 to 600 K. An analysis is made of the electron redistribution processes between the shallow and the deep donor and acceptor levels by invoking the configurational coordinate model.     

Thermooptical investigation of deep levels in doped Bi12SiO20 crystals

The temperature dependence of the impurity optical absorption of nominally pure Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ (BSO) crystals and BSO crystals doped with Ga, Cr, Mn, and Ag ions is investigated. A method is proposed for determining the thermal activation energy, and certain properties of deep levels are found. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 40, 452–457 (March 1998)     

Two-wave mixing on reflection dynamic gratings in sillenite crystals under phase modulation of signal beam

The counter mixing of a strong circularly polarized wave of optical pump with a weak phase-modulated signal wave on the reflection grating formed by them in (111)-, (110)-, and (100)-cut Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ and Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ phototrefractive crystals was theoretically and experimentally studied.     

Three-Photon Absorption in InAs

Using 125 ps laser pulses, we observe three-photon absorption in room temperature InAs at a wavelength of 9.54 µm. This effect is readily identified by temperature-tuning the semiconductor bandgap through the three-photon absorption edge. A three-photon absorption coefficient of K₃ = 1 ± 0.6 × 10^-3 cm³ MW^-2 is extracted from non-linear absorption data obtained with an open-aperture Z-scan. Time-resolved measurement at high irradiance reveals an increase of absorption due to hot carriers. We also present an autocorrelation measurement of our CO₂ laser pulse that shows two complete optical free-induction-decay cycles.     

Photochromic behaviour of doped Bi4Ge3O12 single crystal scintillators

The changes induced by ultraviolet (UV) illumination on the optical absorption and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of Bi₄Ge₃O₁₂ single crystals, doped either with Fe (and Gd) or Mn, have been followed at room temperature (RT). In both crystals several overlapping optical absorption bands develop under UV illumination, covering from 0.7 eV up to the band edge of the matrix. The optical damage can be bleached by heating the samples above RT or by illumination with visible light. Although these optical changes temporarily correlate with the variation of the Gd³⁺ and Mn²⁺ concentrations, it has been concluded that other defects are present and partially responsible for the optical damage.     

Fundamental band edge optical absorption in Bi<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Sb<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>Te<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Spectra of optical absorption in Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ films grown on mica and KBr substrates have been investigated for T = 145 and 300 K. The data obtained have been analyzed together with the data of investigations on the fundamental absorption edge for Bi₂Te₃ available in the scientific literature. It has been revealed that the interband absorption spectra for both Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ and Bi₂Te₃ represent a superposition of two components corresponding to direct and indirect allowed optical transitions. In this case, the least energy gap separating the valence band and the conduction band is direct for Bi_2−xSb_xTe₃ (x ≤ 1.5, T = 300 K). For Bi_0.5Sb_1.5Te₃ the temperature variation rates have been estimated for the thresholds of direct and indirect interband transitions. It has been shown that this solid solution is direct gap solution at T ≥ 145 K. Translated from Izvestiya Vysshikh Uchebnykh Zavedenii, Fizika, No. 7, pp. 50–52, July, 2008.     

Preparation and optical constants of the nano-crystal and polymer composite Bi4Ti3O12/PMMA thin films

Bismuth titanate, Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂ (BTO), is a typical ferroelectric material with useful properties for optical memory, piezoelectric and electro-optic devices. Its nano-crystals were compounded by the chemical solution decomposition technique. Its structure and size were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and transmissive electron microscopy. The composite thin film of BTO nano-crystals and high transparency polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) polymer was prepared by spin coating. The transmitted spectrum of BTO/PMMA composite thin film in 300–1500 nm was measured. The film thickness d and the optical constants of the film, such as the refractive index n, the absorption coefficient α, and the extinction coefficient κ were obtained using the data from the transmitted spectrum.     

Nonlinear Optical Characteristics of BSO and BGO Photorefractive Crystals in Visible and Infrared Ranges

Nonlinear refraction, nonlinear absorption and optical limiting in photorefractive crystals Bi₁₂SiO₂₀(BSO) and Bi₁₂GeO₂₀(BGO) at the wavelengths of 1064 and 532 nm were investigated. It was shown that both BSO and BGO crystals possess by positive nonlinear refraction in two investigated spectral ranges (n ₂ ^BSO=(2.5 ± 0.5)× 10^–12 esu, n ₂ ^BGO=(6.3 ± 1.3)× 10^–12 esu at equals 1064 nm; n ₂ ^BSO=(4.4 plusmn; 0.9)× 10^–12 esu, n ₂ ^BGO=(7.4 ± 1.5)× 10^–12 esu at = 532 nm). The nonlinear absorption was due to three-photon absorption at the wavelength of 1064 nm ( ⁽³⁾ _BSO=(2.5 ± 0.8)× 10^–20cm³W^–2, ⁽³⁾ _BSO=(4.4 ± 1.3)× 10^–20cm³W^–2) and two-photon absorption at the wavelength of 532 nm ( ⁽²⁾ _BSO=(2 ± 0.4)× 10^–9cm W^–1, ⁽²⁾ _BGO=(3.7 ± 0.7)× 10^–9cm W^–1).     

Rapid microwave-assisted hydrothermal synthesis of Bi12TiO20 hierarchical architecture with enhanced visible-light photocatalytic activities

Flower-like Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ hierarchical nanostructures composed of numerous nanobelts were synthesized at 180 °C within 1 h by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) for the first time. The as-prepared products were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) absorption spectroscopy. Furthermore, the hierarchical Bi₁₂TiO₂₀ nanostructures exhibited higher photocatalytic activities in the degradation of Rhodamine B under visible-light irradiation than that of the samples prepared without CTAB. In addition, the role of CTAB cationic surfactant has been investigated thoroughly and a possible mechanism is proposed.     

Reduction of optical absorption at a wavelength of around 0.8 μm in LPE garnet (TmBiCa)3(FeGaPt)5O12

Liquid-phase epitaxy (LPE) garnet films (TmBiCa)₃(FeGaPt)₅O₁₂ have been grown using only Bi₂O₃ as the flux so that the film containing Bi gives high specific Faraday rotation. The film does not contain Pb, which may affect optical absorption. The optical absorption coefficient at 810 nm has been effectively reduced by doping Ca in the melt. Our data show that a minimum level of and of the anisotropy constantK _u and also the maximum of the electrical resistivity are achieved when Ca²⁺ replaces Fe²⁺. Fe²⁺ results from Pt⁴⁺ incorporation in the film due to a Bi₂O₃ flux attack on a Pt crucible. Using a compensated film, of 58 cm^–1 and a figure of merit of 9deg/dB were obtained.     

Influence of light on the magnetoelectric effect in Fe-doped Bi<Subscript>12</Subscript>SiO<Subscript>20</Subscript>

We report an extraordinary oxidation state of iron in the Fe-doped Bi₁₂SiO₂₀ single crystal. Magnetoelectric effect and changes of this effect under illumination of the sample were investigated in magnetic fields up to 32 T. Moreover, an absorption line and its shift to higher energy caused by magnetic field (the Zeeman effect) were seen in the optical measurements. Obtained results show that the iron dopant is in unexpected, +4 oxidation state and it changes to +5 after illumination with blue light.