Electrically controlled liquid crystal nonlinear optical devices prepared by multi-layer composite structures

In this study, a multi-layer composite structure is used to prepare nonlinear optical devices from multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/liquid crystal (LC) composite systems. Their third-order optical nonlinearity is investigated. The MWCNTs were coated and modified to improve their dispersion in the solvent. The coated and modified MWCNTs were characterized by IR absorption spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the devices prepared by the multi-layer composite structures with varying design parameters were studied. The conventional devices were also prepared by mixed doping method for comparison with the proposed devices. Both devices underwent Z-scan testing. The third-order nonlinear polarizability of the conventional hybrid-doped devices was calculated with a value of 5.39 x 10-10 esu. The third-order nonlinear polarizability of the proposed devices prepared by the multi-layer composite structures has a value of 2.97 x 10-9 esu, which is about five times the corresponding value for the hybrid-doped devices. So, the devices prepared by the multi-layer composite structures have better NLO properties. Moreover, the third-order nonlinear polarizability of the proposed devices was further increased up to 3.88 x 10-9 esu, which is an increase of almost 31% after applying voltage to these devices prepared by the multi-layer composite structures. The limiting threshold of S-CTAB/MWCNTs@BHR33400 is 0.245 J/cm2 after voltage application. Applying voltage plays a role in promoting the NLO properties of the devices. Using the multi-layer composite structure to prepare the liquid crystal nonlinear optical devices can significantly improve the NLO properties of the devices. Such prepared devices can be electrically tuned, providing new avenues for preparing nonlinear optical devices.