Single mode waveguide properties of m-NA doped Au/PVA nano-composites: Synthesis, characterization and studies

Meta-nitroaniline (m-NA) doped gold/polyvinyl alcohol (Au/PVA) nano-composites are prepared via in-situ reduction of gold salt by employing hydrazine hydrate (HH). Effect of the NLO (non-linear optical) active m-nitroaniline (m-NA) on the photo-physical properties of nano-particles of gold is studied in the colloidal as well as self-supported film form. The UV-Visible absorption bands between 530 and 555 nm due to surface plasmon resonance in Au nano-particles are observed. The absorption values show a shift in the position due to variation in m-NA with respect to the gold concentration. Additional absorption bands are observed after m-NA doping that influences the original position of gold absorption bands. The solutions and the films are further characterized by photoluminescence (PL), FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, TEM and thermal analysis. The particle size as shown by TEM is found to be less than 10 nm. Spin cast nano-composite films show single mode waveguide properties.