Combination of carbon nanotubes and two-photon absorbers for broadband optical limiting

New systems are required for optical limiting against broadband laser pulses. We demonstrate that the association of non-linear scattering from single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and multiphoton absorption (MPA) from organic chromophores is a promising approach to extend performances of optical limiters over broad spectral and temporal ranges. Such composites display high linear transmission and good neutral colorimetry and are particularly efficient in the nanosecond regime due to cumulative effects.Comment: 5 avril 200

Nonlinear Mechanisms in Carbon-Black Suspension in a Limiting Geometry

AbstractAlthough Carbon-Black suspensions (CBS) have been studied extensively for optical limiting applications, the microscopic mechanisms responsible for their limiting behavior still remain unclear. To study the mechanisms leading to the nonlinearity, we have performed a pump-probe experiment coupled with plasma emission measurements. Time resolved probe transmission have permitted to differentiate bubbles from plasma effects in the case of Carbon-Black in CS2. Other effects are discussed in terms of limiting performance.</jats:p