Shape dependence of nonlinear optical behaviors of nanostructured silver and their silica gel glass composites

Nanostructured Ag in shapes of nanoplate, nanowire, and nanoparticle, as well as their silica gel glass composites have been prepared and characterized. Nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were measured at 532 and 1064 nm using open aperture z-scan technique and studied from the view of shape effect. NLO behaviors of the nanostructured Ag are found to be shape dependent in suspensions at both the investigated wavelengths, although they originate differently. Comparing to the mother suspensions, the Ag/silica gel glass nanocomposites present rather dissimilar NLO behaviors, which is quite interesting for further studies.