Ordered multilayer silica-metal nanocomposites for second-order nonlinear optics

We use aerosol synthesis to fabricate ordered metal-silica nanocomposites consisting of alternating layers of pure silica and silica nanoparticles decorated with silver nanodots. These multilayer structures preserve the narrow plasmon resonance of the nanodots even for high optical densities and allow second-harmonic generation due to spontaneous symmetry breaking arising from the interfaces between silica and nanoparticle layers. Our concept opens up perspectives for complex structures for advanced optical applications.Peer reviewe