Abstract: After comparing the linear,nonlinear,and phase transition property of laser protection materials,the optical limiting properties of semiconductor materials,metal phthalocyanine coordination(MPC)compounds,C60,and its derivatives, inorganic metal cluster compounds,and carbon nanotubes were comprehensively analyzed.Because of the advantages of low optical limiting threshold value,wide optical limiting bandwidth and short response time for carbon nanotube materials,its research progress in optical limiting application was further expounded.It is pointed out that carbon nanotube optical limiting material needs the further in-depth research in the aspects of materialization and devise development for better application in the optical limiting field.