Solvent effect and wavelength effect of laser-synthesized carbon nanoparticle colloids on optical limiting

Abstract

We report the optical limiting response of carbon nanoparticle colloids in different organic solvents. The carbon nanoparticles were prepared by Nd:YAG laser ablation of carbon target immersed in ethanol. Optical limiting properties towards 532 and 1064 nm wavelengths were measured with a 7-ns pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Strong optical limiting effect was detected for the carbon nanoparticle colloids within a solvent having low thermal conductivity. The limiting effect at 532 nm is stronger than that at 1064 nm. Possible mechanisms of optical limiting were discussed.