Nonlinear Optical Properties of Colloidal Microparticles

本研究涉及胶体微粒的线性和非线性光学性质。通过缩合、氧化还原反应、电分散等方法制备了微粒。利用532 nm倍频输出的简并四波混频，研究了晶体的非线性光学性质。由四波混频产生的光相位共轭信号的强度来确定三阶极化率。微粒的非线性光学性质被确定为团簇大小和组成的函数。这些研究之所以令人感兴趣，是因为它们：a)将允许对理论的预测进行直接测试，b)将增强当前对量子尺寸效应的理解，c)可能应用于新的光开关、光门等，d)将提高少数族裔本科院校的教育质量。

This research is concerned with linear and non-linear optical properties of colloidal microparticles. The microparticles are prepared by methods such as condensation, oxidation-reduction reaction, and electrical dispersion. The nonlinear optical properties are investigated using the frequency-doubled output of a Nd:YAG laser at 532 nm for degenerate four-wave mixing. A determination of the third-order susceptibility is made from the intensity of the optical phase conjugate signal generated in the four-wave mixing. The nonlinear optical property of the microparticles is determined as the function of cluster size and composition. These studies are of interest because they: a) will allow a direct test of the predictions of theory, b) will enhance the current understanding of the quantum size effects, c) have possible application in new optical switches, optical gates, etc. and d) will enhance quality of education at a minority undergraduate institution.