Optimized dynamic range cascaded optical power limiter based on nickel complex dye (BDN) encapsulated in PMMA

A novel optical limiter cascaded configuration has been characterized using nanosecond pulsed radiation of a single mode, Q-switched Nd: YAG laser operating at 532nm. Nickel complex dye bis (4-dimethylaminodithiobenzyl)-nickel (BDN) has been entrapped in PMMA to form polymeric solid-state optical limiter. The optical limiting mechanism arises due to laser induced nonlinear absorption and self-action effects. Optical limiting threshold as well as dynamic range has been reported. The dynamic range optimization has been accomplished using cascaded geometry. A nearly two fold enhancement in dynamic range has been reported.