Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) have emerged as promising material for saturable absorbers in laser mode locking, given the fast recovery time and a broad spectral range in the near infared. SWCNT-based saturable absorbers are usually fabricated using organic polymers as matrix. [1] However, polymer matrix can decompose on higher temperatures or in high energy light exposition. Compared to the polymer, sol–gel soft glass has a higher optical and environmental damage threshold, and mechanical stability. [2] Therefore, a sol-gel process for the fabrication for glass matrix can be a better way to produce thermally stable SWCNT composites.

© 2019 IEEE