Fast-acting nonlinear optical limiters and switchers based on fullerenes and fullerene-like nanostructures

Mechanisms of nonlinear optical limiting by fullerenes and fullerene-like nanostructures in solutions, suspensions theoretically and experimentally investigated in wide spectral range 0.3-1.1 mm. An essential contribution of photoinduced scattering to nonlinear optical limiting was demonstrated in fullerene solutions and in suspensions of fullerene-like nanostructures. It is shown than suspensions based on fullerene-like nanostructures are the most perspective for devices design with nonlinear optical protection from laser radiation (speed less than 1 ns, dynamic range 10 3 -10 4 , limiting threshold 5x10 -6 J/cm 2 , spectral range 0.3-1.1 mm, color-comfortable vision through it, i.e. the absence of limiter color.) Devices with nonlinear optical limiters are demonstrated. The computer simulation of femtosecond range optical switchers, based on fullerene containing media was performed. Fabri-Perot interferometers, containing film of fullerene film, produced by vacuum deposition and film of fullerene-polymer solid solution were investigated. Fullerene polarization nonlinearity leads to light-induced refractive index change. The probability of interferometer reflection and transmission control by low intensity signal is demonstrated.