Size Dependence of the Resonant Third-Order Nonlinear Refraction of Colloidal PbS Quantum Dots

Abstract

Due to their high resonant third-order nonlinear response, lead sulfide quantum dots (QDs) are potential materials for applications in the field of nonlinear optics. In this paper, we implement the Z-scan method to study the resonant nonlinear response of lead sulfide QDs in colloidal solutions. We managed to measure the purely intrinsic resonant nonlinear response, free of thermal contribution. We report that the lead sulfide QD third-order nonlinear response per QD shows an unconventional increase. A figure of merit for QD nonlinearity grows as a power function with a factor of 2.9.