Investigating the Birefringence of Methyl Red in a Nano-Structured Hybrid Based on Epoxy Silane

In this research a novel organic-inorganic hybrid nanocomposite based on 3-glycidyloxy propyl trimethoxysilane and methyl red dye was synthesized by the sol-gel processing. Structural properties were characterized using FT-IR spectroscopy and TEM. Optical performance was studied by birefringence test using different concentrations of dye between 3 and 20 wt%. Results obtained from this experiment were analyzed in three sections including pump irradiation start-up، equilibrium and pump irradiation cut off (memory effect). Results were fit using a 3 parameter equation. Time dependent parameters were attributed to the memory effect. It was revealed that samples with 8% of dye had the best birefringence effect. However،samples composed of 10 wt% dye showed the best memory effect. Results showed that these nanocomposites can be used in modulators.