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

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.