Studies on the nonlinear optical properties of rf plasma polymerized aniline thin films by open aperture z-scan technique

Plasma polymerized polyaniline (PANI) thin films in their pristine and iodine doped forms were subjected to open aperture z-scan studies in order to investigate the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of these materials. The investigations were carried out using a Q-switched resonant Nd:YAG laser at a wavelength of 532 nm for various fluences. The z-scan studies revealed that RF PANI thin films exhibit a saturable absorption (SA). Iodine doping modifies the NLO characteristics of these films substantially. These results qualify PANI thin films as potential materials for NLO materials. Investigations on the NLO properties of pristine (PANI) and iodine doped polyaniline (dPANI) thin films in its plasma polymerized form are reported for the first time.