Metal Quantum-Dot composites as Nonlinear Waveguide Materials

摘要

Nanocrystalline composites of metal quantum dots in dielectric host have been proposed as nonlinear materials for all-optical switching, optical and electro-optical devices. The challenges involved in fabricating such materials for waveguides include controlling the size and size distribution of the quantum dots, finding a dielectric with suitable electronic and optical properties, and maintaining high transmission quality in the waveguide. The ultrafast response and photochemical inertness of many metal nanocrystal composites are especially appealing for nonlinear optical applications. Metal nanocluster composites in planar waveguide geometries can be made by ion implantation, ion exchange, sol-gel techniques, cluster-beam deposition and pulsed-laser deposition. The suitability of metal quantum-dot composites in nonlinear waveguides can be assesed by figures of merit relating linear and nonlinear optical properties to device function and performance.