Modified carbon nanotubes as broadband optical limiting nanomaterials

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes have been shown to be effective broadband optical limiters for nanosecond laser pulses. In this paper, we review the recent developments of carbon nanotube-based optical limiters, in particular the effects of modifying carbon nanotubes for device applications. The techniques used to modify carbon nanotubes mainly include thin film coating, doping, and blending with optical absorbing dye. These modifications can greatly enhance the optical limiting performance of carbon nanotubes, with the goal of fabricating an optimal optical limiter system. © 2006 Materials Research Society.