Nonlinear optical limiters of pulsed laser radiation based on carbon‐containing nanostructures in viscous and solid matrices

Results of the study of optical limiters of pulsed laser radiation based on nonlinear effects in carbon nanostructures placed into viscous and solid matrices are presented. A nonlinear optical limiting was studied by nanomaterials based on multi‐wall polyhedral carbon nanostructures (astralens) placed in a sol–gel matrix. Similar studies for single‐wall and multi‐wall carbon‐containing nanotubes placed in polymer matrices with various viscosities were performed. No additional mechanism of optical limiting due to electron structure of single‐wall carbon‐containing nanotubes at their introduction into viscous and solid composite media was found. An influence of polymer matrix composition containing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on a threshold and ratio of attenuation of laser radiation was demonstrated. The best limiting characteristics were observed at placing CNT into polymethylsiloxane matrix. An effect of “self‐healing” of a medium after laser radiation passage through high viscous liquids was obtained. The high parameters of nonlinear optical limiting (the threshold of limiting 10^?5 J, ratio of attenuation 10³) achieved for the composite material CNT (HiPCO High‐Pressure Carbon Monoxide) and carbon nanofibers in high viscous and solid polymethylsiloxane media allow the design of protective filters for laser radiation operating in wide spectral range. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Carbon-based optical limiting materials

In this mini-review, special attention has been paid to carbon-based optical limiting materials. After a brief introduction to optical limiting mechanisms of carbon-based optical materials and their characterization technique, this mini-review presents the recent progress of carbon-based optical limiting materials including carbon black suspensions(CBS), carbon nanotubes(CNTs), fullerenes, graphene and detonation nanodiamond. Finally, perspectives on carbon-based optical limiting are given.     

Dynamic mechanical behavior and optical limiting property of multifunctional fullerenol/polymer composite

The dynamic mechanical behavior of materials based on multifunctional fullerenol and poly(styrene-co-4-vinylpyridine)/poly(styrene-co-butadiene) matrix was studied. The interaction between the hydroxyl group of fullerenol and the pyridine group as evidenced by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results in a significant increase of the storage modulus. The optical limiting property of fullerenol was studied at 532 nm with nanosecond laser pulses. The optical limiting performance of fullerenol, which is poorer than its parent C₆₀, is slightly improved upon the incorporation of poly(styrene-co-4-vinylpyridine).     

Defining and measuring optical frequencies: the optical clock opportunity--and more (Nobel lecture).

Four long-running currents in laser technology met and merged in 1999-2000. Two of these were the quest toward a stable repetitive sequence of ever-shorter optical pulses and, on the other hand, the quest for the most time-stable, unvarying optical frequency possible. The marriage of ultrafast- and ultrastable lasers was brokered mainly by two international teams and became exciting when a special "designer" microstructure optical fiber was shown to be nonlinear enough to produce "white light" from the femtosecond laser pulses, such that the output spectrum embraced a full optical octave. Then, for the first time, one could realize an optical frequency interval equal to the comb's lowest frequency, and count out this interval as a multiple of the repetition rate of the femtosecond pulse laser. This "gear-box" connection between the radiofrequency standard and any/all optical frequency standards came just as sensitivity-enhancing ideas were maturing. The four-way union empowered an explosion of accurate frequency measurement results in the standards field and prepared the way for refined tests of some of our cherished physical principles, such as the time-stability of some of the basic numbers in physics (e.g. the "fine-structure" constant, the speed of light, certain atomic mass ratios), and the equivalence of time-keeping by clocks based on different physics. The stable laser technology also allows time-synchronization between two independent femtosecond lasers so exact they can be made to appear as if the source were a single laser. By improving pump-probe experiments, one important application will be in bond-specific spatial scanning of biological samples. This next decade in optical physics should be a blast!     

Templated deposition of MoS2 nanotubules using single source precursor and studies of their optical limiting properties

We demonstrate a simple way of fabricating bulk quantities of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) porous nanotubules (NTs) by templated deposition from a single source precursor based on tetrakis(diethylaminodithiocarbomato)molybdate(IV). Bulk quantities of crystalline MoS2 NTs that consist of agglomerates of nested nanocapsules were obtained by this one-step evaporation method. We found that MoS2 NTs show good optical limiting behavior with 532-and 1064-nm nanosecond laser pulses, and the size-effect of the NTs on optical transmission was observed.     

Size-Dependent Nonlinear Optical Properties of Gd2O2S:Tb3+ Scintillators and Their Doped Gel Glasses

With the advancement of ultra-fast and high-energy pulsed laser output, lasers have caused serious harm to precision instruments and human eyes. Therefore, the development of optical limiting materials with a fast response, low optical limiting threshold, and high damage threshold are important. In this work, for the first time, it is reported that phosphors Gd₂O₂S:Tb³⁺(GOS) displays exceptional functionality in laser protection. GOS with sizes of 11 μm, 1 μm, and 0.45 μm are prepared. Based on the optical limiting and Z-scan technology systems under 532 nm and 1064 nm nanosecond laser excitation, the nonlinear optical properties of GOS are investigated. It is found that GOS exhibits outstanding optical limiting properties. In addition, the optical limiting response of GOS is size-dependent. Concerning the largest particle size, GOS has the best nonlinear optical response, while the precursor shows no nonlinear optical performance. Meanwhile, GOS doped gel glass also displays excellent optical limiting properties with high transmittance, which preliminarily validates the application of GOS and other scintillators in nonlinear optics and encourages more research to better realize the potential of GOS.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and optical limiting properties of some W---Se---Cu clusters

A nest-shaped cluster [(C₄H₉)₄N]₂[WOSe₃Cu₃Br_1.67Cl_1.33] (1) and a cage-shaped cluster [(C₄H₉)₄N]₃[WSe₄Cu₃Br₂Cl₂] (2) were synthesized and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. It was found that cluster 1 showed better optical limiting properties under an 8 ns pulsed laser at 532 nm but poorer optical limiting properties under a 35 ps pulsed laser compared with its analogue [(C₄H₉)₄N]₂[MoOS₃Cu₃BrCl₂]. The influence of the peripheral ligands of the cluster to the optical limiting properties was also discussed.     

Aqueous dispersions of C60 fullerene by use of amphiphilic block copolymers: preparation and nonlinear optical properties

The dispersion of the otherwise insoluble C60 fullerene in water is discussed. Amphiphilic block copolymers, namely, polystyrene-b-polyethylene oxide (PS-PEO), were found to be able to disperse C60 in aqueous solutions, where the polymer forms micelles with a hydrophobic PS core. The preparation protocol of the final solutions was found to play a crucial role in the ability of the block copolymer to disperse the C60 molecules. The C60 containing aggregates were studied using optical spectroscopy, light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, their optical limiting action and nonlinear optical properties under visible nanosecond laser excitation were studied and compared with that of C60-toluene solutions.     

Preparation and near-infrared optical limiting property of fluorene-containing functional polyacetylene

A novel functional polyacetylene containing fluorene group as a pendant,poly（2-（p-methylstyrene）-7-acetylene-9,9-dioctyl-fluorene）, was synthesized in moderate yield by[Rh（nbd）Cl]₂-Et₃N catalyst.The structures and properties of monomer and polymer were characterized and evaluated with FTIR,NMR,UV-vis,GPC and Z-scan,respectively.The results show that the incorporation of fluorene into polyacetylene has endowed the resultant polymer with well optical limiting properties for laser at wavelength 780 nm based on two-photon absorption mechanism.     

New optical limiting polymeric materials with different π-electron conjugation bridge structures: Synthesis and characterization

In this communication we describe the design and synthesis of five new conjugated polymers (P1–P5) with various π-electron conjugation bridges. Their structures were established by FTIR, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, elemental analysis. The molecular weights of the polymers were estimated by gel permeation chromatographic technique. Further, their electrochemical, linear and nonlinear optical properties were investigated. The electrochemical band gaps of P1–P5 were found to be 1.72–2.35 eV. Their third-order nonlinear optical activities were studied by open aperture Z-scan technique, using a Q-switched, frequency doubled Nd:YAG laser producing 7 nano second laser pulses at 532 nm. Z-scan results reveal that the polymers exhibit self-defocusing nonlinearity and their operating mechanism involves reverse saturable absorption. The polymers showed strong optical limiting behavior due to effective two-photon absorption (2PA) with 2PA coefficients of the order of 10^?11 m/W, which is comparable to that of good optical limiting materials in the literature.     

Four-level optical line shape of a single molecule coupled to a single tunneling two-level system

We propose a density-matrix theory for the four-level system consisting of a single optical two-level system (OTLS) coupled to a single two-level system tunneling along a vibrational coordinate (VTLS). Phonons induce jumping rates of the VTLS, but coherent tunneling has to be considered explicitly as well, because the Born-Oppenheimer potential of the tunnel variable may change upon optical excitation. The OTLS is subject to spontaneous emission and driven by a laser wave with arbitrary strength. Numerical simulations for various coupling cases reproduce limiting behaviors previously discussed separately in the literature, such as motional narrowing, cross transitions, optical saturation and pumping, and nonlinear effects. Our model also perfectly fits recent measurements of the spectra of a single molecule coupled to a single tunneling system in a disordered crystal.     

Broadband optical limiting and nonlinear optical absorption properties of a novel hyperbranched conjugated polymer

The nonlinear transmittance of a novel hyperbranched conjugated polymer named DMA-HPV has been measured in CHCl₃ solution using a nanosecond optical parametric oscillator. DMA-HPV shows excellent optical limiting performance in the visible region from 490 to 610 nm. An explanation based on the combination of two-photon absorption and reverse saturable absorption was proposed for its huge and broadband nonlinear optical absorption.     

Synthesis and optical properties of metal-centered dimeric fullerene macromolecules

Dimeric fullerene macromolecules were prepared via the complexation of two fullerenylated 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine ligands with Fe(II) and Co(II) ions. The solubility of these macromolecules in some organic solvents allowed both their structural characterization and a study of their optical properties. The electronic absorption and emission of the macromolecules in solution were evaluated; and the results indicated no meaningful ground-state and excited singlet state intramolecular charge transfer interactions. However, the laser flash photolysis results could be explained in terms of the electron transfer quenching of the excited triplet methanofullerene moiety by the center metal–ligand complex in the macromolecules. The optical limiting properties of the macromolecules in solution were also investigated in comparison with those of the ligands for an evaluation of the complexation effects.     

The influence of optical design on the signal to noise characteristics of polarimeters

A high-frequency modulation technique is employed to reduce the sensitivity of an instrument to flicker noise. A 5-mW He-Ne laser is used as the source to achieve a high signal to shot-noise ratio. The high-frequency modulator acts as the limiting noise-source in the particular apparatus used, as a result of residual static birefringence in the optical head. An analysis of the origin of the modulator noise is given. The apparatus is tested with l(+)-tartaric acid. A rotation detection limit of 3 x 10(-4) degree is achieved (signal to noise ratio of 3:1).     

Axial halogen ligand effect on photophysics and optical power limiting of some indium naphthalocyanines

Three axially substituted complexes, 2,3-octa(3,5-di-tert-butylphenoxy)-2,3-naphthalocyaninato indium chloride (1a), 2,3-octa(3,5-di-tert-butylphenoxy)-2,3-naphthalocyaninato indium bromide (1b), and 2,3-octa(3,5-di-tert-butylphenoxy)-2,3-naphthalocyaninato indium iodide (1c) have been synthesized and their photophysical properties have been investigated. Optical power limiting of nanosecond (ns) and picosecond (ps) laser pulses at 532 nm using these complexes has been demonstrated. All complexes display strong Q(0,0) absorption and measurable emission in the near-infrared region and exhibit strong excited-state absorption in the range of 470-700 nm upon ns laser excitation. The different axial ligands show negligible effect on the linear absorption, emission, and transient difference absorption spectra. However, the excited-state lifetime, triplet excited-state quantum yield, and efficiency to generate singlet oxygen are affected significantly by the heavier axial ligand. Brominated and iodinated complexes 1b and 1c show higher triplet excited-state quantum yield, while chlorinated complex 1a has longer excited-state lifetime and is more efficient in generating singlet oxygen. The iodinated complex 1c displayed the best optical limiting due to the higher ratio of excited-state absorption cross section to ground state absorption cross section (sigma(eff)/sigma(0)).     

Nanogel nanosecond photonic crystal optical switching

We developed a robust nanosecond photonic crystal switching material by using poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) nanogel colloidal particles that self-assemble into crystalline colloidal arrays (CCAs). The CCA was polymerized into a loose-knit hydrogel which permits the individual embedded nanogel PNIPAM particles to coherently and synchronously undergo their thermally induced volume phase transitions. A laser T-jump from 30 to 35 degrees C actuates the nanogel particle shrinkage; the resulting increased diffraction decreases light transmission within 900 ns. Additional transmission decreases occur with characteristic times of 19 and 130 ns. Individual NIPAM sphere volume switching occurs in the approximately 100 ns time regime. These nanogel nanosecond phenomena may be useful in the design of fast photonic crystal switches and optical limiting materials. Smaller nanogels will show even faster volume phase transitions.     

二腈基衍生物的合成及其光限幅性质

设计并合成了一系列含不同末端给电子基团及共轭链长度的1,1-二腈基-2,2-二苯基乙烯类化合物(D1-D7),用核磁共振氢谱(1H NMR)、核磁共振碳谱(13C NMR)和高分辨质谱(HRMS)对分子结构进行了表征.选用N,N-二甲基甲酰胺(DMF)为溶剂,测定了它们的线性光物理性质,用光漂白法研究了它们的光稳定性,用热失重法测试了它们的热稳定性.研究了这7个化合物针对800 nm脉冲激光(掺钛蓝宝石激光器,脉冲宽度~130 fs,重复频率1000 Hz)的光限幅性质.结果表明:以二烷基氨基为给电子基团的4个化合物(D4-D7)对800 nm的飞秒脉冲激光均具有显著的光限幅性能,限幅机制为双光子吸收(2PA),而端基给电子能力较弱、共轭链长较短的D1-D3光限幅效果并不明显.此外,D4-D7都具有较好的热稳定性和光稳定性.而且,该系列化合物的双光子吸收截面、光稳定性和热稳定性都具有随分子结构中给电子基团增强或共轭链增长而增大或提高的趋势.D7具有最好的综合性能,是一个有应用潜力的光限幅材料.     

Intramolecular charge transfer and Z-scan studies of a semiorganic nonlinear optical material sodium acid phthalate hemihydrate: a vibrational spectroscopic study

FT-IR and Raman spectra of the nonlinear optical material sodium acid phthalate hemihydrate crystal have been recorded and analyzed. The equilibrium geometry, bonding features, and harmonic vibrational wavenumbers have been investigated with the help of the B3LYP density functional theory method. A detailed interpretation of the vibrational spectra was carried out with the aid of normal coordinate analysis following the scaled quantum mechanical force field methodology. The natural bond orbital analysis confirms the occurrence of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding in the molecule. Nonlinear optical absorption of the sample has been studied at 532 nm using single 5 ns laser pulses, employing the open-aperture Z-scan technique. It is found that the NaAPH molecule is a potential candidate for optical limiting applications.     

Organometallic acetylides of Pt(II), Au(I) and Hg(II) as new generation optical power limiting materials

Within the scope of nonlinear optics, optical power limiting (OPL) materials are commonly regarded as an important class of compounds which can protect the delicate optical sensors or human eyes from sudden exposure to damaging intense laser beams. Recent efforts have been devoted to developing organometallic acetylide complexes, dendrimers and polymers as high performance OPL materials of the next generation which can favorably optimize the optical limiting/transparency trade-off issue. These metallated materials offer a new avenue towards a new family of highly transparent homo- and heterometallic optical limiters with good solution processability which outperform those of current state-of-the-art visible-light-absorbing competitors such as fullerenes, metalloporphyrins and metallophthalocyanines. This critical review aims to provide a detailed account on the recent advances of these novel OPL chromophores. Their OPL activity was shown to depend strongly on the electronic characters of the aryleneethynylene ligand and transition metal moieties as well as the conjugation chain length of the compounds. Strategies including copolymerization with other transition metals, change of structural geometry, use of a dendritic platform and variation of the type and content of transition metal ions would strongly govern their photophysical behavior and improve the resulting OPL responses. Special emphasis is placed on the structure-OPL response relationships of these organometallic acetylide materials. The research endeavors for realizing practical OPL devices based on these materials have also been presented. This article concludes with perspectives on the current status of the field, as well as opportunities that lie just beyond its frontier (106 references).     

87Rb electron spin resonance on helium nanodroplets: the influence of optical pumping

Hyperfine resolved electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements of single rubidium ((87)Rb) atoms isolated on superfluid helium nanodroplets are presented. In accordance with our previous work on (85)Rb, we find a relative increase of the hyperfine constant a(HFS) by about 400 ppm, depending on the size of the droplets. In order to optimize the ESR signal intensities, the processes of optical pumping of Rb atoms on helium droplets and of optical detection of the ESR transitions are investigated in detail. Both the laser intensity and polarization influences the ESR signal intensities. A simple model for optical pumping of Rb atoms on helium droplets is presented, which agrees well with the experimental results.