Basic Studies of Nonlinear Optical Materials for Eye and Sensor Protection
Abstract
We have studied the spectroscopy, kinetics and non-linear characteristics of conjugated organic dyes by means of a new femtosecond transient spectroscopy system that allows us to study delta A values as small as 0.003. We were able to measure accurately absorption spectra, kinetics and cross-sections of all states, transients and intermediate. These data prove that our materials have the best known RSA characteristics. All the molecules studied were found to have very strong and broad band reversed saturable absorption that collectively covers the optical spectrum relevant to optical limiters. We initiated studies using several molecules dispersed in a polymer matrix and find that as expected they cover the entire visible spectrum. Kinetic studies show that the RSA rate of formation is in the picosecond range and an intense transient absorption band is formed within the excitation pulse (r = 1.6 ps), and decays with a rate of -10 (10) s. We believe that such very highly absorbing and fast forming intermediate states will provide needed soldier and sensor protection. We were not able to proceed further with the practical devices we were fabricating because of the termination of this project.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2004
- Accession Number
- ADA427586
Entities
People
- A. Dvornikov
- M. Rentzepis
Organizations
- University of California, Irvine