Characterization of nonlinear optical parameters of copper- and silver-doped silica glasses λ=1064 nm

Investigations of nonlinear optical characteristics (nonlinear refractive indices, nonlinear absorption coefficients and third-order nonlinear susceptibilities) of copper and silver nanoparticles implanted in glasses are presented using picosecond Nd:YAG laser radiation (lambda = 1064 nm) and the Z-scan technique. The variations of the sign of the nonlinear refractive indices depending on matrix properties are analyzed. It is shown that the nonlinear absorption in copper-doped glasses is due to the two-photon effect. The optical limiting properties of these materials are discussed in the framework of two-photon absorption. (C) 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.