New insights into nonlinear optical effects in fullerene solutions—a detailed analysis of self-diffraction of continuous wave laser radiation

Abstract

Abstract Spatial self-phase modulation (SSPM), i.e. the formation, temporal evolution and subsequent distortion of self-diffraction ring patterns, generated by transmitting a continuous wave 532 nm laser beam through solutions containing C60 or C70 has been investigated. The nonlinear optical response regarding SSPM of such systems was studied, to our knowledge for the first time, in dependence of various solvents, different sample temperatures and viscosities. The SSPM patterns consisted of a number of concentric rings, generated due to induced refractive index changes and start with a central spot, expanding into a series of concentric rings. The number of rings increases steadily and the ring pattern becomes larger with time until a maximum is reached. Thereafter, thermal convection leads to a distortion of the upper part of the ring system, while the lower part keeps its shape. The dependence of temporal and spatial evolution of self-diffraction ring pattern on different sample parameters and not only the functional material itself, leading to our conclusion that thermal effects are responsible for the observed SSPM. For further substantiation, measurements of C60 in toluene at a wavelength of 1070 nm have been carried out. At this wavelength no absorption occurs and no SSPM patterns were observed. Knowing that for ultashort pulses no significant thermal effects take place, we performed additional measurements at a pulse length of 8 ps and a wavelength of 527 nm. Also in this case no SSPM patterns were generated. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the involved physical processes, we developed a thermal blooming simulation: Thermally-induced refractive index changes and convection caused by locally heating of the solution by the laser beam were taken into account, any other nonlinear phenomena were left aside. A laser beam propagating through an absorbing solution generates similar ring structures under these conditions, what is in fully agreement with our experimental results. Additionally, as a practical application of SSPM a laser protection device is presented.