Liquid-based multicell optical limiter

We describe several methods for optimizing optical limiters, including a modification to existing geometries called the stepped limiter. We show that a stepped limiter may have a performance close to that of a fully optimized limiter with a graded molecular density. Given the difficulty in making a graded molecular density, the stepped limiter may be an attractive approach toward making practical devices. We also discuss the importance of damage threshold of the nonlinear limiting material on the limiter design and performance. Liquids have high damage thresholds and for this reason we may use tandem limiting geometries for devices based on nonlinear absorber molecules in liquid solutions. With currently available materials, this is still the best approach. Our experimental results on a tandem limiter based on Zn:tetra((rho) -methoxyphenyl) tetrabenzporphyrin show the best limiting performance to date.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.