Determining the bandgap dependence of nonlinear absorption in optical quantum nanolaminate coatings

At sufficiently high intensities the electronic nonlinear behavior of optical materials dominates the classical linear phenomena. Through laser calorimetric absorption (LCA) measurements this behavior has been characterized and an increase in absorption of over one order of magnitude has been observed. Quantum nanolaminates (QNLs) are uniquely suited to investigating these phenomena as it is possible to tune the refractive index and bandgap. The absorption and electronic behavior of QNLs deposited with Titania and Niobia in conjunction with Silica were investigated using LCA. The impact of defects on the measurements are also discussed.