Optical Performance and Nonlinear Scattering of Soluble Polystyrene Grafted Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Three soluble polystyrene grafted multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) samples are synthesized, and their optical performance and nonlinear scattering properties are investigated by z-scan method using nanosecond pulses of 532nm from a frequency-doubled Q-switched Nd:YLF laser. Analysis of the experimental results shows that other than nonlinear scattering, nonlinear absorption plays a major role in optical limiting performance of these stable and well-dispersed suspensions. These new synthesized materials which can be better dispersed in common organic solvents than MWNT itself can be considered as potential sources for further optical applications.