Nonlinear optical switching properties of dye-doped inorganic/organic nanocomposite films

Abstract

The sol–gel method has been employed in the fabrication of composite films consisting of nanometer size self-assembled organic mesostructures surrounded by a silica framework. The hydrophobic domains within the mesostructures make these films an excellent host matrix for the donor/acceptor energy transfer complexes. Time-resolved fluorescence and transient absorption studies revealed that these complexes exhibit ultrafast nonlinear optical responses as a result of the energy transfer process. The optical properties of these composite films may make them suitable for use as the photonic film in future all-optical switching devices.