Enhanced nonlinear optical absorption of Au/SiO2 nano-composite thin films
Zhang Bo-Pinga, Shang Peng-Penga, Zhao Cui-Huab
a School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science
and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; b School of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Science
and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China;College of Resources and Environment, Guangxi University, Nanning
530004, China
Abstract Nano metal-particle dispersed glasses are the attractive
candidates for nonlinear optical material applications. Au/SiO2
nano-composite thin films with 3~vol\% to 65~vol% Au are prepared
by inductively coupled plasma sputtering. Au particles as perfect
spheres with diameters between 10~nm and 30~nm are uniformly
dispersed in the SiO2 matrix. Optical absorption peaks due
to the surface plasmon resonance of Au particles are observed. The
absorption property is enhanced with the increase of Au content,
showing a maximum value in the films with 37~vol% Au. The
absorption curves of the Au/SiO2 thin films with 3~vol\% to
37~vol% Au accord well with the theoretical optical absorption
spectra obtained from Mie resonance theory. Increasing Au content
over 37~vol% results in the partial connection of Au particles,
whereby the intensity of the absorption peak is weakened and
ultimately replaced by the optical absorption of the bulk. The band
gap decreases with Au content increasing from 3~vol\% to 37~vol %
but increases as Au content further increases.
Received: 03 April 2009
Revised: 15 May 2009
Published: 20 December 2009
Fund: Project supported by the National
Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos 50842028 and
50972012) and the National Basic Research Program of China (Grant No
2007CB613301).
Cite this article:
Zhao Cui-Hua, Zhang Bo-Ping, Shang Peng-Peng Enhanced nonlinear optical absorption of Au/SiO2 nano-composite thin films 2009 Chin. Phys. B 18 5539
