Structural, linear and nonlinear optical properties of NiO nanoparticles–multi-walled carbon nanotubes nanocomposite for optoelectronic applications

Abstract

A nanosecond solid-state laser was employed to perform nanocomposite structure from multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) decorated with nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) in a single one-step for optoelectronic applications. The preparation was carried out by pulsed laser ablation method, followed by investigation the physicochemical properties via various techniques. Then, the nonlinear characteristics were measured using a Z-scan approach: nonlinear absorption coefficient (β), nonlinear refractive index (n2), and 3rd nonlinear optical susceptibility (χ3). It was determined that as the intensity of the incident lase beam rised, the values of β gradually droped. Also, the study showed that the nonlinearity of NiO NPs/MWCNTs nanocomposite was significantly improved in compared with inividual MWCNTs and NiO NPs as after the decoration with NiO NPs, the taken time for electrons to transport and photons to transition was incrased, leading to an improvment in the nonlinear optical properties of the nanocomposite. These results provide this simple method for decorating MWCNTs by NiO NPs to produce nanocomposite material with outstanding nonlinear optical characteristics to be applicable in the optical devices like optical switches and optical sensors.