Optical characterization of ZnO nanoplates embedded in polymeric matrices for optical limiting applications

We report on the optical characterization, including linear and non linear, of ZnO nanoplates embedded in PVA: Nonlinear optical characterization of these films was studied by the Z-scan technique using an Nd:YAG laser (532 nm, 7 ns, 10 Hz).The studies show that the material is highly nonlinear, have desirable lower optical liming threshold of 46.86 MW/cm(2) at pump power of 436 MW/cm(2) and with negative refractive index. Therefore, these films with immobilized semiconductor nanoplates appear to be attractive candidates for optical limiting applications. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.