Nonlinear refractive index measurements in antimony–sulfide glass films using a single beam nonlinear image technique

The nonlinear refractive index, n2, of films based on the new glass system Sb2O3–Sb2S3 was measured at 1064 nm with laser pulses of 15 ps, using a single-beam nonlinear image technique in presence of a phase object. The films were prepared from bulk glasses by RF-sputtering. A large value of n2 = 3 × 10−15 m2/W, which is three orders of magnitude larger than for CS2, was determined. The result shows the strong potential of antimony–sulfide glass films for integrated nonlinear optics.