Optical limiting effects in linear carbon chains

The nonlinear optical properties of linear carbon chains prepared by laser ablation in water were studied by using a nanosecond pulsed excitation. A strong optical limiting response was detected at laser fluences above 0.6 J/cm2cm2. The nature of the nonlinear effect was investigated by the Z-scan technique, determining both the nonlinear absorption coefficient ββ and the refraction one n2n2. A high second-order hyperpolarizability γγ value of 1.1×10-29esu, essentially attributed to a dispersive effect, has been measured. Moreover, the good optical transparency in the visible region and a relatively good photo-stability make these carbon water colloids comparable with other carbon based materials and interesting for potential applications as optical limiter.

Graphical abstractThe optical limiting efficiency of polyynes was investigated by means of nonlinear transmittance measurements as a function of the input fluence to determine the limiting threshold which is found to be comparable to that reported for carbon nanoparticles prepared by laser ablation in water.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► The polyyne optical transparency is comparable with other carbon material. ► Polyynes shows a significant optical limiting efficiency. ► Polyynes is interesting for potential applications as optical limiter.