Highly Non-Linear Quantum Dot Doped Nanocomposites for Functional Three-Dimensional Structures Generated by Two-Photon Polymerization

A nanocomposite consisting of a photosensitive organic–inorganic hybrid polymer functionalized with PbS quantum dots has been developed using a sol–gel process. The uniformly dispersed nanocomposite exhibits ultrahigh third‐order non‐linearity (–3.2 × 10−12 cm2 W−1) because of the strong quantum confinement of small‐sized and narrowly distributed quantum dots. The non‐linear nanocomposite has been proven to be suitable for the fabrication of 3D micro/nano photonic devices using two‐photon polymerization. The fabricated photonic crystals show stop gaps with more than 60% suppression in transmission at the telecommunications wavelength region.