Stimulated light scattering in synthetic opal filled with dielectrics

We have studied characteristics of stimulated light scattering in synthetic opal crystals made up of silica spheres. This type of light scattering results from interaction between pulsed laser radiation and dielectric nanoparticles, such as silica (SiO₂) spheres in the structure of synthetic opal. The Stokes shift in the scattered radiation spectrum was 0.4–1.0 cm^?1. The Stokes shift was determined as a function of scattering geometry, sphere diameter, sample temperature, and the type of dielectric in the opal pores. The results are of interest for assessing the size of nanoparticles in spatially ordered inorganic structures.