Abstract

The photorefractive performance of a polymeric composite photosensitized through the inclusion of NiS nanocrystals is described. The nanocrystals were characterized using visible-absorption spectroscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. We further demonstrate the ability to enhance various aspects of the composite's photorefractive performance by performing ligand exchange on the nanocrystals prior to their incorporation into the polymer composite. This procedure resulted in a lowering of the overmodulation voltage from ~70 to ~50 V/µm without affecting the maximum diffraction efficiency of ~40%. An increase in the two-beam-coupling gain coefficient was similarly observed, increasing from 38 to 79 cm−1. The photoconductivities were used in determining the overall quantum efficiencies associated with the photorefractive devices. All experiments were conducted at 633 nm and the data represent a significant improvement in the photorefractive performance of inorganic-organic hybrid photorefractive materials.

Department(s)

Chemistry

Sponsor(s)

University of Missouri Research Board

Keywords and Phrases

Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Materials; Photorefractive Effect; Visible Spectra; X-Ray Chemical Analysis; Nanostructured materials; Nickel compounds; Photoconductivity; Photorefractive materials; Polymers; Transmission electron microscopy

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0021-9606

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Final Version

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2008 American Institute of Physics (AIP), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Sep 2008

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Chemistry Commons

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