Nonlinear optical properties of a coherent array of sub-micron SiO/sub 2/ spheres (opal) implanted with Si nanoclusters

Summary form only given. The optical properties of a coherent array of sub-micron spheres (opal) gained an increased interest in recent year. A combination of the scattering properties of an individual sphere with the distributed effect of a periodic, three-dimensional crystal structure may lead to more efficient nonlinear materials owing to the confinement of the propagating photons to small dimensions. We have shown that transmission and reflection of Si implanted silica opal can be changed dramatically as a function of light intensity. Possible applications for these structures may be found in optical switching and optical limiters.