Optical absorptive characteristics of ZnO tetrapod nanowhiskers

Abstract Optical absorption characteristics were observed at room temperature in ZnO nanowhiskers prepared by a thermophysical method. In addition to absorbing ultraviolet light at wavelength below 378 nm, the nanowhiskers absorbed infrared light. Their tetrapod morphology with four needle-like feet and Zn phase in the center was considered as the reason for the infrared light absorption. The nanowhiskers also absorbed CO 2 laser light. When added into absorbent agent and coated on steel surface, the nanowhiskers in the coating efficiently transformed the laser energy into heat energy, which improved the laser-hardening procedure.