Tunability of third order nonlinear absorption in (Pb,La) (Zr,Ti) O 3 thin films

Abstract

This paper reports the demonstration of the tunability of the third order nonlinear optical absorption in (Pb1-3x/2 Lax) (Zr 0.53 Ti0.47) (PLZT) thin films. The optical nonlinearity is investigated employing the open aperture z-scan technique at the off-resonant wavelength of 532 nm. By altering the defect chemistry in PZT through A-site aliovalent lanthanum substitution, the nonlinear optical (NLO) absorption can be effectively tuned. The results of the influence of lanthanum concentration on leakage current and microstructure have also been combined to confirm the defect-mediated mechanism of NLO absorption in PLZT thin films. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.