Hybrid silica gel glasses with femtosecond optical kerr effect based on phthalocyanine

We show an inorganic–organic hybrid silica gel glass with remarkable femtosecond optical Kerr effect in the order of the time-resolution of the experiment (∼200 fs) based on doped lead phthalocyanine. In our materials, self-diffraction of the pumping beam by ultrafast transient gratings dominates the Kerr signal, ensuring ultrafast response happens. By the replacement of inorganic or polymeric matrix with inorganic-organic hybrid, many practical advantages can be gained. Our results demonstrate a critical role for the design of novel ultrafast optical Kerr shutters in such low-cost silica based-nanocomposites with great flexibility.