Résumé:

We review a series of investigations on nonlinear optical properties of carbon nanotube suspensions for optical limiting application. Z-scan, pump-probe, and shadowgraphics experiments allowed us to study the mechanism responsible for optical limiting. The main effect is nonlinear scattering, which is due to heat transfer from particles to solvent, leading to solvent bubble formation and to sublimation of carbon nanotubes. (C) 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.