Mechanistic Investigations of Branched Macromolecules and Metal Nanocomposites for Nonlinear Optical Applications
Abstract
Support from the Army Research Office (ARO) has provided the opportunity for studies encompassing a combined effort consisting of different experimental and synthetic methods to produce novel nonlinear optical (NLO) materials with enhanced properties. This included the development of new synthetic branched organic macromolecules with different central core groups such as benzene, nitrogen, phosphorous, carbon as well as adamantine. These investigations gave the opportunity to probe the importance of the electronic coupling of the core unit to the NLO enhanced effect. The synthesis of novel metal nanoparticle topologies for the purpose of enhanced nonlinear transmission effects as well as nano-sensing applications was successful. This will included the synthesis of dendrimer metal nanocomposites where the PAMAM dendrimer may be considered as a host or a stabilizer. Fabrication of transition metal nanocomposite systems such as copper, gold, silver, as well as iron were carried out. The synthesis of chromophore functionalized dendrimer metal nanocomposites was carried out for the purpose of enhancing the optical nonlinear effects. Metal topologies such as silver and gold metal rods and spheres as well as metal clusters were investigated. New procedures to move these novel materials in to the solid state were carried out, which included the fabrication of stable films of the dendrimer metal nanocomposite materials. Measurements with the novel materials were also carried out in conjunction with the design and fabrication of new branched, cyclic and two-dimensional structures and metal nanoparticle systems as to provide a direct feed back to the understanding of the structure/function relationships. The photo-physical measurements included investigations of the nonlinear transmission effect at a variety of wavelengths with use of an optical parametric oscillator system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 26, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA508953
Entities
People
- Theodore Goodson, III
Organizations
- University of Michigan