Picosecond Nonlinear Optical Response of Copper Clusters Created by Ion Implantation in Fused Silica

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe have embedded nm-size Cu clusters in optically dense, thin (∼ 150 nm) layers using standard ion implantation techniques. The size and size distribution of the clusters can be altered by varying such ion-implantation parameters as total dose and current density. The layers exhibit both a thermo-optic and an electronic nonlinear optical response, depending on the mode of laser excitation. The electronic nonlinearity has a response time no longer than 5 ps.