Polymers

Photo- and thermally induced effects in an As$_2$S$_3$ + Au/polymer nanocomposite

T. E. Zedomi^a, L. V. Kotova^ab, D. L. Fedorov^b, O. S. Komarova^b, J. E. Burunkova^c, V. E. Tarasov^c, V. P. Kochereshko<sup>a

a</sup> Ioffe Institute, St. Petersburg
^b Baltic State Technical University, St. Petersburg
^c St. Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics

Abstract: This paper investigates the optical properties of nanocomposites consisting of As$_2$S$_3$ nanocrystals with added Au nanoparticles embedded in a polymer matrix based on acrylic monomers. The aim of the study is to analyze photo- and thermally induced changes in the transmittance spectra in the visible and near-IR ranges and to identify the mechanisms responsible for these effects. The experimental methodology includes the synthesis of composites by mixing solutions of As$_2$S$_3$ and Au nanoparticles, followed by polymerization, transmission spectral measurements, and analysis of the Urbach absorption edge. Key results demonstrate opposite trends compared to bulk As$_2$S$_3$ films: thermal darkening and a long-wavelength shift of the absorption edge after thermal annealing (up to 150$^\circ$C), as well as a converse photoinduced shift to short wavelengths upon irradiation with a 532 nm laser (power of 20 W/cm$^2$). The addition of Au enhances these effects due to plasmonic interactions. The obtained results open up prospects for the application of such composites in optoelectronics, holography, and devices with controlled optical properties.

Keywords: nanocomposites, nanocrystals, polymer, controlled optical properties.

Received: 15.10.2025
Revised: 15.10.2025
Accepted: 17.10.2025

DOI: 10.61011/FTT.2025.10.61980.277-25

Bibliographic databases:

•