Study of the nonlinear optical properties of CdS quantum dots in phosphate glass

CdS quantum dots (QDs) embedded in a phosphate glass matrix were investigated. The time-resolved Z-scan technique was used to determine the nonlinear refraction and absorption for different concentrations of CdS QDs. The results indicate that the nonlinear absorption presents a reverse saturable character, which is a desirable feature in the design of optical limiting devices. In addition, strong experimental evidence that the main contribution onto the refractive index variation is not of thermal origin was found. The observed variation presents a character similar to an electronic-like effect. These evidences are supported by numerical simulations. (c) 2017 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE)