Characteristics of materials for optical limiters and switches

Richard C. Powell; Bahman Taheri; Antonio Munoz Flores; Roger J. Reeves

doi:10.1117/12.138065

18 August 1992 Characteristics of materials for optical limiters and switches

Richard C. Powell, Bahman Taheri, Antonio Munoz Flores, Roger J. Reeves

Proceedings Volume 1692, Nonlinear and Electro-Optic Materials for Optical Switching; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138065
Event: Aerospace Sensing, 1992, Orlando, FL, United States

Abstract

This paper summarizes recent results obtained on CdTe polarization rotation switches and optical limiter based on lead glasses. The polarization rotation switch is based on picosecond pulse four wave mixing with two beams and the switching characteristics are dependent on beam crossing angle, relative polarization directions, and pulse timing. Material enhancement of the nonlinear scattering is demonstrated by using Mn-doped crystals. Optical limiting by thermal lensing on the nanosecond time scale was characterized in a variety of lead based glasses and it was found that the main contribution to the thermo-optic coefficient is due to thermally induced changes in the electronic polarizability of the glass components (especially oxygen) and is effected by the polarizing power of the network former ions. Random network structures have greater thermo—optic coefficients than ring and chain structures and modifier ions affect the properties through changes in the absorption coefficient of the material.

Citation Download Citation

Richard C. Powell, Bahman Taheri, Antonio Munoz Flores, and Roger J. Reeves "Characteristics of materials for optical limiters and switches", Proc. SPIE 1692, Nonlinear and Electro-Optic Materials for Optical Switching, (18 August 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.138065

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