All-optical plasma modulation by the plasma channel induced in the molybdenum disulfide dispersion solution.

The molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2) nanosheet is successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal Li-intercalation exfoliation method. We experimentally show that the MoS 2 dispersion solution can be used for optical modulation and all-optical switching based on the plasma channel induced by control pulses. The modulated signal light has a good transmission property in free space. The spatial modulation of the signal laser can be easily adjusted through the power of control lasers and the suspension concentration. The influence of suspension concentration and type on the free-space propagation of modulated signal light is also investigated. Results reveal a potential application of MoS 2 as an all-optical modulator for diversified photoelectric applications. • MoS 2 dispersions can be used for all-optical plasma modulation and optical switching based on plasmas. • Modulations can be adjusted conveniently by control laser power and suspension concentration. • Divergence of modulated signal beams increases with suspension concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]