Much attention has been dedicated in the recent years to the study of suitable methodologies for preparing nonlinear optical composites, with the aim of designing all-optical switches for optoelectronics applications. The nonlinear response of glasses may be enhanced by several orders of magnitude by introducing metal nanoclusters in the glass matrix. Metal nanoclusters have been formed in light waveguides, obtained by Ag+ or Cu+ - Na+ exchange process in glass, by either irradiating with low-mass ion beams or by heating in hydrogen atmosphere at temperatures varying in the range 100 - 250 C. Metal nanoclusters-silica composites have been also obtained by the sol-gel technique. Nanoclusters modifications induced by pulsed laser irradiation have been investigated and annealing behavior of nanoclusters synthesized by the sol-gel process has been studied. Composites were characterized by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry, in order to determine concentration depth-profiles and by Transmission Electron Microscopy for the nanocluster detection and size evaluation. Optical analyses were performed to evidence linear and nonlinear properties.
Metal nanoclusters formation in thin films and ion-exchanged waveguides for nonlinear optical application
SPIZZO, Federico;
1996
Abstract
Much attention has been dedicated in the recent years to the study of suitable methodologies for preparing nonlinear optical composites, with the aim of designing all-optical switches for optoelectronics applications. The nonlinear response of glasses may be enhanced by several orders of magnitude by introducing metal nanoclusters in the glass matrix. Metal nanoclusters have been formed in light waveguides, obtained by Ag+ or Cu+ - Na+ exchange process in glass, by either irradiating with low-mass ion beams or by heating in hydrogen atmosphere at temperatures varying in the range 100 - 250 C. Metal nanoclusters-silica composites have been also obtained by the sol-gel technique. Nanoclusters modifications induced by pulsed laser irradiation have been investigated and annealing behavior of nanoclusters synthesized by the sol-gel process has been studied. Composites were characterized by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry, in order to determine concentration depth-profiles and by Transmission Electron Microscopy for the nanocluster detection and size evaluation. Optical analyses were performed to evidence linear and nonlinear properties.I documenti in SFERA sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
