Off-Resonance Photosensitization of a Photorefractive Polymer Composite Using PbS Nanocrystals

Journal Article · Tue May 26 00:00:00 EDT 2015 · Journal of Physical Chemistry. C

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcc.5b02915· OSTI ID:1122529

Moon, Jong-Sik ^[1]; Liang, Yichen ^[1]; Stevens, Tyler E. ^[2]; Monson, Todd C. ^[2]; Huber, Dale L. ^[2]; Mahala, Benjamin D. ^[1]; Winiarz, Jeffrey G. ^[1]

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1. Missouri Univ. of Science and Technology, Rolla, MO (United States)
2. Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

The photosensitization of photorefractive polymeric composites for operation at 633 nm is accomplished through the inclusion of narrow band gap semiconductor nanocrystals composed of PbS. Unlike previous studies involving photosensitization of photorefractive polymer composites with inorganic nanocrystals, we employ an off-resonance approach where the first excitonic transition associated with the PbS nanocrystals lies at ~1220 nm and not the wavelength of operation. Using this methodology, internal diffraction efficiencies exceeding 82%, two-beam-coupling gain coefficients of 211 cm^–1, and response times of 34 ms have been observed, representing some of the best figures of merit reported for this class of materials. Furthermore, these data demonstrate the ability of semiconductor nanocrystals to compete effectively with traditional organic photosensitizers. In addition to superior performance, this approach also offers an inexpensive and easy means by which to photosensitize composite materials. Additionally, the photoconductive characteristics of the composites used for this study will also be considered.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1122529
• Report Number(s): SAND-2010-5491J; 491691
• Journal Information: Journal of Physical Chemistry. C, Vol. 119, Issue 24; ISSN 1932-7447
• Publisher: American Chemical Society
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY