Low power continuous wave laser induced optical nonlinearities in saffron (Crocus Sativus L.)

We report on the low power CW laser induced nonlinear optical responses of Saffron (stigmata of Crocus Savitus L.) ethanol and methanol extracts. The optical nonlinearities were investigated by performing Z-scan measurements at 470 and 535 nm wavelengths. At both wavelengths the material has a strong nonlinear refraction, mainly of thermal origin. However, only at 470 nm wavelength the material exhibit pronounced saturable nonlinear absorption. Long-term (70 days) stability measurements indicated that the nonlinearities in the Saffron extracts are due to their nonvolatile components. This study shows that there is great potential for Saffron extracts to be used in nonlinear photonic applications.