Enhanced optical linearity and nonlinearity of Nd:YAG crystal embedded with Ag nanoparticles by prior Zn ion implantation

Nonlinear optical properties of nanocomposites exhibit wide nonlinear optical applications, but the nonlinear coefficient is not sufficiently high that it limits the potential application. Thus, we improve the nonlinear optical response of Nd:YAG by dual implantation with Zn and Ag ions to induce the formation of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) in the surface of a crystal. And the structural and optical properties of the NPs embedded in the Nd:YAG have been investigated. The surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption of Ag NPs in Nd:YAG crystal shows ~3 times enhancement with a narrower spatial distribution of NPs. Meanwhile, third-order nonlinear coefficients of the crystal embedded with NPs increase to 8 orders of magnitude larger than that of pure Nd:YAG due to the SPR effect. Furthermore, annealing can further modify SPR and nonlinear optical properties owing to improved crystalline structure. The present work provides an alternative route for enhancing the nonlinear optical properties and potential application in optical devices.