Occurrence of two-photon absorption saturation in Ag nanocolloids, prepared by chemical reduction method

► Ag nanocolloids were synthesized via chemical reduction method. ► The molecules of PVP play an important role in growth and agglomeration of silver nanocolloids. ► Saturation behaviour followed by two photon absorption was responsible for good optical limiting characteristics in these nanocolloids. ► The nonlinear optical parameters calculated from the data showed that these materials could be used as efficient optical limiters.