Azo Chromophore Monomerically Bonded Mesostructured Silica Films with Large Third-Order Nonlinearity but Negligible Nonlinear Absorption

Abstract

The azobenzene chromophore covalently and monomerically dispersed mesostructured organic-inorganic hybrid films were prepared by a direct-synthesis route thanks to the compatible environment provided by the hydrophobic core of the surfactant micelles. The third-order optical nonlinearity of this mesostructured organic-inorganic hybrid was investigated by using the Z-scan technique in/near the two-photon absorption region (at 1064 nm). It is very interesting that no two-photon absorption could be detected in/near the twophoton absorption region, which is in contrast to those in solution and common nonmesostructured films. Meanwhile, a large nonlinearity with a nonlinear refractive index n 2 of 10 -9 esu, purely attributed to electronic effect, has been obtained. The special structure, that the hydrophilic alkoxysilane end is covalently anchored on the silica pore surface while the opposite hydrophobic chromophore end is monomerically dispersed in mesopore space, is believed to be responsible for the uncommon nonlinear optical properties. As a result, the special nonlinear optical properties of such mesostructured films can well satisfy the Stegmen figures of merit for the demands of all-optical devices applications.

Hollow shell–corona microspheres with a mesoporous shell as potential microreactors for Au-catalyzed aerobic oxidation of alcohols

“…It should be pointed out that PVTES is easily hydrolyzed both in acidic and basic aqueous solution. [19][20][21] Herein, mesopores are introduced into the shell of the microspheres through hydrolysis of the PVTES segment in aqueous acid, which is useful to avoid ionization of the PMAA corona in basic aqueous solution. It is believed that the mesopores randomly locate in the shell-layer as shown in Fig.…”

Highly Stable Hybrid Pigments Prepared from Organic Chromophores and Fluorinated Hydrotalcites

“…After that, several works confirmed the versatility of LDHs to produce original pigments [16][17][18][19]. Some additional works proposed other inorganic matrices and also micelle media in order to stabilize both natural and synthetic chromophores [20]. Emphasizing LDHs as hosts to stabilize dyes, the matrix is particularly interesting as its physical-chemical properties can be easily modulated.…”

High-Stable Hybrid Pigments Prepared From Organic Chromophores and Fluorinated Hydrotalcites

“…After that, several works confirmed the versatility of LDHs to produce original pigments [16][17][18][19]. Some additional works proposed other inorganic matrices and also micelle media in order to stabilize organic, both natural and synthetic, chromophores [20]. Emphasizing in the LDH as a host to stabilize azoic dyes, the matrix is particularly interesting as its physical-chemical 2 properties are easily modulated.…”