Large third-order optical nonlinearity in Au:SiO{sub 2} composite films near the percolation threshold

Journal Article · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1997 · Applied Physics Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.119291· OSTI ID:435075

Liao, H B; Xiao, R F; Fu, J S; Yu, P; Wong, G K; Sheng, P ^[1]

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1. Department of Physics, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon (Hong Kong)

Very large third-order optical nonlinearity, {chi}{sup (3)}{approximately}2.5{times}10{sup {minus}6} esu, measured by a degenerate four wave mixing method using a short pulse (70 picosecond) laser, has been found in the rapid-thermal annealed Au:SiO{sub 2} composite films at concentrations below the Au percolation threshold. The dependence of the {chi}{sup (3)} on Au concentration, p, follows a cubic power law. The maximum figure of merit, {chi}{sup (3)}/{alpha} (with {alpha} being the absorption coefficient) is about 10{sup {minus}11} esu cm. We explain this result as due to local field enhancement arising from the Mie resonance of the Au nanoclusters, with strong interaction between the nanoclusters further promoting the effect. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}

• OSTI ID: 435075
• Journal Information: Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 70; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
DOPED MATERIALS
FREQUENCY MIXING
GLASS
GOLD
GOLD ADDITIONS
NONLINEAR OPTICS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON OXIDES
THIN FILMS
multiwave mixing
nonlinear optical susceptibility