Hybrid quantum-dot-polymer nanocomposites for infrared photorefractivity at an optical communication wavelength

A multifunctional hybrid photorefractive nanocomposite has been developed (see Figure); it consists of a carbazole-based photoconducting matrix, a nonlinear chromophore, and suitably size-tuned PbSe quantum dots with spectral response at the optical communication wavelength of 1550 nm. Efficient harvesting of IR photons in the device leads to good photoconductivity, high net optical gain, and significant diffraction efficiency at the operating wavelength.