Nonlinear Optics With Metal-Dielectric Nanocomposites

Abstract In this work, we will present a study of the nonlinear optical properties of nanocomposites containing metal nanoparticles synthesized ex profeso and the influence of their structure and composition in their resulting nonlinear optical properties. The systems studied consist of composites containing elongated silver nanoparticles aligned in a preferential direction in a silica matrix and spherical platinum nanoparticles embedded in sapphire. We present the study of the refractive and absorptive nonlinear optical properties of these composites employing the z-scan technique with picosecond and femtosecond pulses. In the case of the elongated silver nanoparticles, the electronic and thermal contributions to the nonlinear response were resolved through a modification of the z-scan technique. Finally, we present the fabrication and characterization of channel waveguides produced with these materials.