Efficient hybrid materials for optical power limiting at telecommunication wavelengths

摘要

This work describes the preparation and characterization of the first efficient solid-state optical Iimiter operating in the NIR region (telecommunication wavelengths). Nonlinear absorbing chromophores (azabodipy) are incorporated into a sol-gel monolithic matrix using a specifically adapted process, which preserves the chemical integrity of the dyes in the solid. Efficient broadband OPL performances in the solid state could be observed for the first time in the NIR region between 1200 and 1600 nm, with a maximal efficiency around 1300 nm. The properties observed in the solid sol-gel matrix are even better than those in solution, which shows the great potential of this approach regarding protection of active imaging systems against self-dazzling and laser aggression.