Characterization of nonlinear optical parameters of copper‐ and silver‐doped silica glasses at λ = 1064 nm

Investigations of nonlinear optical characteristics (nonlinear refractive indices, nonlinear absorption coefficients and third‐order nonlinear susceptibilities) of copper and silver nanoparticles implanted in glasses are presented using picosecond Nd:YAG laser radiation (λ = 1064 nm) and the Z‐scan technique. The variations of the sign of the nonlinear refractive indices depending on matrix properties are analyzed. It is shown that the nonlinear absorption in copper‐doped glasses is due to the two‐photon effect. The optical limiting properties of these materials are discussed in the framework of two‐photon absorption. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)