Enhanced third-order nonlinear optical properties in dendrimer-metal nanocomposites

Nonlinear optical (NLO) and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopic measurements of dendrimer-metal nanocomposites (DNCs) are reported. Third-order NLO effects were investigated by degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) measurements for DNCs and DNCs incorporated into thin polymeric films. The results show an enhancement of the third-order nonlinear susceptibility for the chromophore-functionalized dendrimer-metal nanocomposites. Investigations of the mechanism of the enhanced NLO effect suggested a strong contribution because of the metal's local field. These results show the potential usefulness of dendrimer-metal nanocomposites for nonlinear optical effects and biophotonic applications.