Nonlinear optical refraction of Al2O3 single crystal doping with nickel nanoparticles measured by the Kerr-lens autocorrelation technique

Abstract

The nonlinear refraction of a nickel doped α-Al2O3 single crystal was measured with a 800 nm pulse using the Kerr-lens autocorrelation technique. The sample was fabricated by ion implantation using a metal vapor vacuum arc ion source. The value of the nonlinear refractive index, n2, of the sample was determined to be 7.9 × 10−16 cm2 W−1. The mechanisms of nonlinear refraction of the bulk material and the nanoparticles have been discussed through the UV–vis spectrum and supercontinuum spectra.