Non-linear optical measurements and crystalline characterization of CdTe nanoparticles produced by the 'electropulse' technique

Abstract

We propose to extend the 'electropulse' technique to synthesize CdTe nanoparticles for optical components. To do so, we create nuclei of the expected material on a titanium electrode immersed in an electrolytic solution by using an electrochemical pulse. The nanoparticles are expelled from the titanium horn surface by cavitation bubbles, which are produced in the solution by a high intensity ultrasound pulse generated by a piezoelectric crystal. Optical absorption spectra and third-order non-linear optical properties of a colloidal solution of CdTe particles produced by this technique are presented. The non-linear refractive index was characterized using the single-beam z-scan technique, and measurements were carried out at several incidence intensities. Non-linear indices of refraction between -1.2×10^-7 and -2×10^-8 cm²W^-1 were measured.