On the optical absorption and nonlinearity of silica films containing metal nanoparticles

Metal nanocluster composite glasses (MNCGs) have been the subject of both experimental and theoretical investigation because of their peculiar optical properties. In particular, the enhanced third-order optical nonlinearity could be exploited in the all-optical switching device technology. Nevertheless, several factors such as thermal stability, wavelength tunability, response time regime, recycling frequency, laser-induced damage and optical absorption come into play in the definition of the material suitability. In this work, we present some results on MNCG films prepared by ion implantation. Nonlinear refractive index values are also presented for rf sputtered films, evidencing the presence of thermal nonlinearity in the optical response. Figures of merit that must be satisfied for ultrafast all-optical switching application of MNCGs are evaluated for this composite.