Nonlinear optical properties of Ag-enriched ZnO nanostructures

Abstract

Ag-enriched ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) are prepared by using silver nitrate, zinc acetate, and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as source elements, a novel method under particular conditions without any additives added as stabilizing or reducing agent. The transmission electron microscopic (TEM) studies reveal that the ZnO layer is well formed onto the Ag core. The photoluminescence shows the energy transfer and electron-hole recombination between the conductor and semiconductor layers. Nonlinear optical properties are studied by using picosecond laser. Nonlinear absorption values are increased by increasing the Ag concentration in Ag-enriched ZnO NPs. Nonlinear optical effects in Ag-enriched ZnO NPs are due to two-photon induced free carrier and inter-band transitions. Optical limiting characteristics are measured in the picosecond time domain. Ag-enriched ZnO NPs are used as optical limiters in the visible region.