Tunability of third-order nonlinear response in nematic liquid crystal E7 via SnO2 nanoparticle doping: a structured temperature-concentration analysis
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the temperature- and concentration-dependent linear and third-order nonlinear optical properties of SnO 2 -doped nematic liquid crystal E7. Refractive index measurements confirm that nanoparticle incorporation modifies both ordinary and extraordinary indices while preserving positive birefringence throughout the nematic phase. Kerr-effect analysis shows a pronounced enhancement of nonlinear response at 0.1 wt% SnO 2 , where the Kerr constant increases from 2.73 × 10 –10 m V -2 (pure E7) to 6.94 × 10 –10 m V -2 , corresponding to an enhancement of approximately 154%. The third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility reaches its maximum value of 7.62 × 10 –18 m 2 V -2 at the same concentration near the nematic-isotropic transition temperature. At higher nanoparticle loadings, both the Kerr constant and χ (3) decrease, which may be attributed to nanoparticle aggregation and partial disruption of molecular ordering. Inverse Kerr analysis indicates a shift in pre-transition temperature from 332.2 to 332.7 K (ΔT⁓0.5 K), suggesting subtle modifications in the critical behavior near the phase transition. Therefore, these results demonstrate the potential of SnO 2 -E7 nanocomposites in nonlinear optical applications.
Source: Scientific Reports
Institutions: University of Bonab, Jožef Stefan Institute
Language: English
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W7161485977
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