Enhanced Q-switching performance of magnetite nanoparticle via compositional engineering with Ti3C2 MXene in the near infrared region

In this work, we reported a new strategy to improve the nonlinear saturable absorption performance of magnetite (Fe3O4) nanoparticles (FONPs) via the compositional engineering with the Ti3C2 MXene in the near-infrared (NIR) region. Based on the DFT simulation, the band structures and work function were significantly modified by the Ti3C2 MXene doping. By using the open-aperture Z-scan technology, the nonlinear optical features of the FONPs@Ti3C2 nanocomposite were significantly improved, showing the great potential as the saturable absorber in the pulsed laser. With the nanocomposite as the saturable absorber, the passively Q-switched Nd:GdVO4 lasers emitted much shorter pulse durations when compared with the pristine FONP saturable absorber. These findings indicated that FONPs@Ti3C2 heterostructure was a promising saturable absorber for the short pulse generation in the NIR region. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

A new strategy to improve the nonlinear saturable absorption performance of magnetite nanoparticles via compositional engineering with Ti3C2 MXene was reported in this work. Experimental results showed that the nonlinear optical features of the FONPs@Ti3C2 nanocomposite were significantly improved, demonstrating great potential as a saturable absorber in pulsed lasers. The nanocomposite as a saturable absorber also led to much shorter pulse durations in passively Q-switched Nd:GdVO4 lasers compared to the pristine FONP saturable absorber, making it a promising candidate for short pulse generation in the NIR region.