Nanocomposite Materials for Optical Applications

TLDR

Nanocomposite materials for optical applications have been extensively studied, typically by embedding functional phases into transparent matrices to enable use in films, fibers, and even transparent magnetic composites. This review aims to summarize current research and construction principles of optical nanocomposites, highlighting their potential technological applications. The review discusses composites exhibiting second‑ and third‑order nonlinearities and laser amplification, drawing on recent literature examples. The review concludes that the construction principles of these composites hold promise for imminent technological applications.

Abstract

A substantial amount of work has been carried out in the area of nanocomposite materials for optical applications. Composites are typically constructed by embedding an optically functional phase into a processable, transparent matrix material. By doing so, the optical properties can be utilized in more technologically important forms such as films and fibers. This review covers many areas of optical composite research to date. Composites with second- and third-order nonlinearities and laser amplification properties are discussed with examples from the recent literature. Other composites, including transparent magnets, may be made using similar structures. The principles used to construct these composites may have important technological applications soon and are therefore summarized in this review.