Nonlinear optical limiting and dual beam mode matched thermal lensing of nano fluids containing green synthesized copper nanoparticles

Abstract Recent years have witnessed bio inspired synthesis of copper nanoparticle as an inevitable system among nanomaterials. This paper presents the biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using Mimosa pudica leaf extracts as a reducing and a stabilizing agent, and its application in nonlinear optics. Third order nonlinear optical susceptibility and nonlinear optical absorption studies were measured using open aperture Z -scan technique with a 7 ns, 532 nm pulsed laser. Copper nanoparticles suspended in solution unveiled very strong reverse saturable absorption with low optical limiting threshold. Dual beam mode matched thermal lensing technique was used to determine the thermo optic properties of the synthesized system. Promising values of optical limiting threshold (237 MW/cm 2 ) and thermal diffusivity parameter (D = 1.23 × 10 −7  m 2 /s) points to the application potential of the system.