Absorption and emission spectroscopic characterization of some azo dyes and a diamino-maleonitrile dye

A linear and nonlinear optical spectroscopic characterization is carried out on three azo dyes (Reactive orange 1, Reactive violet 8, and Acidproof purplish red), and on N-(p-hydroxybenzylidene)-diamino-maleonitrile. Fluorescence quantum distributions, fluorescence quantum yields, and fluorescence lifetimes are measured. The saturable absorption is studied by nonlinear transmission measurements with intense picosecond laser pulses. The ground-state absorption recovery is studied by picosecond time-resolved pump and probe measurements. Absolute ground-state absorption cross-sections, excited-state absorption cross-sections, and dye concentrations are extracted from saturable absorption studies. The azo dyes have fluorescence lifetimes and ground-state absorption recovery times of around 2 ps and their excited-state absorption cross-sections are small (measured at 527 nm) making them good mode-locking dyes for picosecond and femtosecond lasers. The investigated diamino-maleonitrile dye exhibits sub-picosecond fluorescence lifetime and slow ground-state absorption recovery (>1 ns).     

Effects of Donor and Acceptor on Optoelectronic Performance for Porphyrin Derivatives: Nonlinear Optical Properties and Dye-sensitized Solar Cells

Typical asymmetric donor-π-bridge-acceptor(D-π-A) zinc porphyrin dyes have been synthesized, and further modified by reacting the ethynyl groups of them with click reagent through a formal [2+2] click reaction. The electronic interaction between the push and pull electronic groups and the click reaction process were investigated by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. The nonlinear optical(NLO) properties of the dyes were studied by the Z-scan technique and clearly reverse saturable absorption to saturable absorption(RSA-SA) transition could be observed through click reaction of the dyes with TCNE. Furthermore, the photovoltaic properties of these porphyrin dyes were reaso- nably explained by the J-V curve fitting based on the equivalent-circuit model as well as the comparison between the absorption and incident-photon-to-current-conversion efficiency(IPCE) spectra. Besides, these dyes with different donors or acceptors could self-assembly into different microstructures by phase transfer methodology.     

A comparative study of the nonlinear optical properties of molecular J- and H-aggregates in thin films

A comparative study of the dispersion of nonlinear absorption in thin films of molecular J- and H-aggregates of polymethine dyes was performed with the use of the Z-scan (Z-scan technique) over the range 625–825 nm under conditions close to resonance absorption at nanosecond duration of excitation. The measurements were made on film samples of J- and H-aggregates prepared by spin-coating and having identical absorption spectra. The H- and J-aggregates were formed by the synthetic thioflavylium DT-3 and benzothiazole BTC18H dyes, respectively. It was found that the samples of different types of aggregates exhibit nonlinear susceptibility of the same order of magnitude with allowance for the width of exciton absorption peaks.     

Insight into the nonlinear absorbance of two related series of two-photon absorbing chromophores

A comprehensive photophysical study of the linear and nonlinear absorption properties has been carried out on two series of two-photon absorbing dyes to gain insight into how structure-property relationships influence observed nonlinear absorption. The materials studied consist of an electron accepting benzothiazole group connected to an electron donating diphenylamine via a fluorene bridging group. Two series differ from each other by the addition of one phenyl group and for each series one-arm (dipolar, AF240 and AF270), two-arm (quadrupolar, AF287 and AF295), and three-arm (octupolar, AF350 and AF380) versions were studied. Overall the AF240 series exhibits higher intrinsic two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-sections than the AF270 series as well as enhanced nanosecond nonlinear absorption, with an increase with number of branches. The enhanced nanosecond nonlinearity is understood by taking into account the contribution from the singlet and triplet excited states and was verified by a two-photon assisted excited-state absorption model that satisfactorily predicts the nonlinear absorption of the chromophores.     

Discovery of novel dyes with absorption maxima at 1.1 microm

During the process of developing organic molecules that match the wavelengths used in optical communications, we have discovered a new class of dyes, with absorption maxima at 1.1 mum, and clarified their molecular structures. The synthesis of this class of dyes was supposed to involve unexpected intramolecular tandem reactions, and the effect of alkyl substituents on such a synthesis was investigated. As a result, an effective alkyl-substituent structure for realizing a high synthetic yield and good solubility in organic solvents was found. Furthermore, thin films made of such a highly soluble dye were fabricated by solution-coating, and they exhibited a red-shifted absorption band with a maximum at approximately 1.3 mum, indicating the formation of J-like aggregates. The third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility chi(3) of these thin films at 1.3 mum, which is the wavelength used in optical communications, was measured by the Z-scan technique. The magnitude of chi(3) reaches approximately 10-7 esu. These results suggest that the solution-coated thin films of this type of dye are potential materials for optical switching at 1.3 mum and for other nonlinear optical applications.     

Vinyl-triphenylamine dyes, a new family of switchable fluorescent probes for targeted two-photon cellular imaging: from DNA to protein labeling

On the basis of our previous work on vinyl-triphenylamine derived DNA fluorophores we explored the structure space around this core by coupling it to diverse cationic, anionic and zwitterionic groups in the aim of targeting different classes of biomolecules. In parallel core modifications were performed to optimize the photophysical properties (quantum yield, two-photon absorption). The resulting water soluble π-conjugated molecules are called TP dyes and display an exceptional combination of optical properties: high two-photon absorption cross-section, high photostability, no self-quenching, and switchable fluorescence emission when bound to a biopolymer matrix. The linear and nonlinear optical properties of the TP dyes were studied in vitro in presence of DNA and in presence of a model protein (human serum albumin) using complementary absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy characterization tools. Structure modifications enabled to switch from DNA probes (cationic TP-pyridinium series) to protein probes (anionic TP-rhodanine series) without affecting the optical properties. Finally most TP compounds appear cell-permeant and show an intracellular localization consistent with their in vitro target specificity.     

Synthesis and nonlinear optical properties of donor-acceptor dyes based on triphenylpyrazolines as a donor block and dicyanoisophorone as acceptor

A series of donor-acceptor dyes based on polyfluoro-substituted triarylpyrazolines (as a donor block) and a dicyanoisophorone group (as an acceptor) were synthesized using the Knoevenagel condensation. The dyes have an absorption in the region of 509–514 nm and intense luminescence at 648–663 nm in chloroform with a large Stokes shift (up to 4410 cm^–1). Based on the synthesized dyes, chromophore–polymer (guest–host) films were obtained in a polycarbonate matrix with a chromophore content up to 27 wt.%. Poling of chromophore–polymer films was carried out in an electric field of a corona discharge and the coefficient of nonlinear optical response d₃₃ was measured by the second-harmonic generation method of the fundamental frequency of a Nd-YAG laser (1064 nm). The obtained films have a high initial thermal stability and a nonlinear optical response up to 80 pm V^–1, which persists up to 115 °С.

     

Two-photon absorption enhancement of polymer-templated porphyrin-based J-aggregates

Supramolecular structures based on organized assemblies of macrocyclic chromophores, particularly porphyrin-based dyes, have attracted widespread interest as components of molecular devices with potential applications in molecular electronics, artificial light harvesting, and pharmacology. We report the formation of J-aggregates of two porphyrin-based dyes, 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TSPP, 4) and an amino tris-sulfonate analogue (5) in water using a functionalized norbornene-based homopolymer, synthesized by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Ionic interactions of the cationic side chains (ammonium groups) of the polymer under acidic conditions with the negatively charged sulfonate groups of the porphyrins facilitated polymer template enhanced J-aggregation of the porphyrin dyes. J-Aggregation behavior was investigated photophysically by UV-vis absorption along with steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence studies. Two-photon absorption (2PA) was enhanced by about an order of magnitude for the J-aggregated TSPP relative to its free base. Significantly, the 2PA cross section of the polymer-templated TSPP J-aggregate was up to three times higher than the J-aggregated TSPP in the absence of the polymer template while the 2PA cross section for polymer-templated J-aggregates of 5 increased substantially, up to ca. 10,000 GM, suggesting a prominent role of polymer-templating to facilitate porphyrin aggregation and greatly enhance nonlinear absorption.     

Novel Heptamethine 3H-Indocyanines and their Spectral Properties

Novel heptamethine 3H-indocyanine dyes are synthesized and embedded into a matrix of silica gel derived from tetraethoxysilicane. The photophysical properties of these near infrared dyes in various solvents and in SiO2 sol gel were investigated. The results show that the dyes containing cyclohexenylene bridge and N-(p-carboxy)benzyl groups have better photostability and longer absorption wavelength than those containing linear heptamethine bridge and/or N-(5-carboxy)pentanyl groups. The absorption maxima of these dyes are in reverse proportion to the polarity of the solvents. The microenvironment of the dyes in SiO2 sol-gel characters medium polarity (between methanol and DMF) according to the absorption maxima.     

Synthesis and spectral characterization of bisnaphthylmethyl and trinaphthylmethyl cations

Cationic triarylmethane dyes containing one, two or three naphthalene moieties have been prepared. Their synthesis and preliminary spectral, nonlinear optical and theoretical characterization are reported here. The major electronic and steric hindrance effects of the 1,4-linked naphthalene have been examined by comparison of the UV-vis absorption of the 1,4-linked and 2,6-linked series.     

Exploration on Charge Transfer and Absorption Spectra of Spiro[fluorene-9,90-xanthene]-based Polyoxometalate Hybrids Toward High Performance Dye-sensitized Solar Cell

Based on spiro[fluorene-9,90-xanthene](SFX, dye 1), the Lindqvist-type polyoxometalate(POM) functionalized with SFX and its derivatives(dyes 2-4) used in dye-sensitized solar cells(DSSCs) were designed and investigated with the density functional theory(DFT) and time-dependent DFT(TD-DFT) calculations. The results indicate that Lindqvist-type POM is the main contribution to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital(LUMO) and affects the LUMO energies of dyes 2-4. The maximum absorptions of the designed dyes containing POM(dyes 2-4) are red shifted comparing with that of dye 1. The introduction of electron-donating group onto SFX segment is helpful to red shift the absorption spectra. The major factors affecting the performance of DSSCs, including light harvesting and electron injection were evaluated. Considering the absorption spectra and photovoltaic parameters, dyes 3 and 4 are promising high performance dye sensitizers in n-type DSSCs.     

Absorption maxima study of chromophores of indigoid dyes

Molecular structure of 21 chromophores of indigoid dyes were studied by an ab initio MP2/6–31 + G*/ /HF/6–31 + G* method. Bond lengths and bond angles were affected by π-electron conjugation. The difference between molecular structures of chromophores and indigoid dyes indicated that benzene rings and five-membered rings in indigoid dyes are structurally important. Absorption maxima of chromophores were successfully calculated by the CI-singles-MP2/6–31 + G* theory. Like indigoid dyes, absorption maxima of the chromophores are affected by the positions of the donor and acceptor groups on the trimethine group. Bathochromic shifts of the absorption maxima were observed with the best donor group of (SINGLE BOND)NH among (SINGLE BOND)NH, (SINGLE BOND)O, and (SINGLE BOND)S groups. Appropriate substitution of longer-chain polymethines brought about chromophoric systems having hypsochromic shifts. From these calculations, the absorption maxima of some indigoid dyes could be explained by their chromophores qualitatively. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Synthesis and Nonlinear Optical Susceptibility of Cyanine Dye J-Aggregate Doped Silica Film (I)

We synthesized thin silica films doped with condensed J aggregates of pseudisocyanine dyes (PIC) as a material for nonlinear optical devices by simple sol-gel processing and spincasting. The sol and the silica films were characterized with UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy. The films contain plenty J aggregates, and are optically transparent and stable at room temperature. J aggregation dependence on dye concentration in the sol and spin speed during spincasting were investigated. It was found that dye condensation in the sol solution and fast spinning promote the formation of J aggregates in the films. Because of the high third order nonlinear susceptibility around 10^–7 esu, the films are expected to be useful for non-linear optical devices.     

Optical Properties of Dye Based on Hydroxamate Improved with Designed Tridentate Ligands for Dye Sensitized Solar Cell: a Theoretical Study

A density function theory(DFT) study was made on three dyes based on hydroxamate with different ligands[terpyridine, isothiocyanate(NCS) and 2,2'-bis(thienyl)-tripyrrinate(2-BTTP)] to investigtate their device performance optimization in dye sensitized solar cell(DSSC). Based on the adsorbed dye on TiO₂ (101) surface, the ground state geometry structures, electronic structures, absorption spectra and correspongding charge transfer properties were analysed in detail. The results indicate that the ligand replacement of terpyridine by NCS and 2-BTTP improves the low-energy region absorption of hydroxamate based dyes significantly. The electron injection and light harvesting capability of hydroxamate based dyes are enhanced by NCS and 2-BTTP ligands as well. In the visible region, hydroxamate based dyes have the potentials to become panchromatic light absorbers according to our research.     

Polyethylene glycol-functionalized benzylidene cyclopentanone dyes for two-photon excited photodynamic therapy

A series of polyethylene glycol-functionalized benzylidene cyclopentanone dyes with varying lipid/water partition coefficients were synthesized in high yields by a simple process. Detailed characterization and systematic studies of these molecules, including linear and nonlinear photophysical properties, reactive oxygen yields, and in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) activities, were conducted. Four of these dyes exhibited good solubility in PBS (>2 mg ml(-1), which is sufficient for clinical venous injection), high reactive oxygen yields, large two-photon absorption and low dark toxicity, under the therapy dosage. Among them, two dyes could be absorbed efficiently by human rectal cancer 1116 cells, and presented strong two-photon excited PDT activity in in vitro cell experiments.     

Dimerization of merocyanine dyes. Structural and energetic characterization of dipolar dye aggregates and implications for nonlinear optical materials

Aggregation of polar merocyanine dyes has been identified as an important problem in the fabrication of organic materials for photonic applications. In this work, a series of merocyanine dyes is synthesized, and their aggregation is investigated by a combination of several experimental techniques to reveal structure-property relationships. These studies provide clear evidence for the formation of centrosymmetric dimers for all investigated merocyanines in concentrated solution and in the solid state. The thermodynamics of dimerization in liquid solution is studied by concentration-dependent permittivity measurements, UV-vis spectroscopy, and electrooptical absorption experiments. A centrosymmetric dimer structure with antiparallel ordering of the dipole moments is observed in solution by 2D NMR spectroscopy as well as in the solid state by X-ray crystallography and interpreted in terms of dipolar and pi-pi interactions. The optical properties of the dimer aggregates are satisfactorily explained by an excitonic coupling model. The effect of an external electric field on the dimerization equilibrium is considered and quantitatively determined by electrooptical absorption measurements. Implications of the observed findings on the design of nonlinear optical and photorefractive materials are discussed.     

Spectroscopic studies of a near-infrared absorbing pH sensitive aminodienone-carbocyanine dye system

Synthetic red and near-infrared absorbing dyes may be used as probe molecules in a large number of applications. Dyes exhibiting spectral changes with hydrogen ion concentration are useful as pH probes. Those dyes which have their absorption and fluorescence maxima in the long wavelength region of the visible spectral region are specially valuable because of decreased interference and semiconductor laser applications. In this paper we have evaluated an aminodienone dyes 1 which demostrates pH dependent absorption and fluorescence spectra as well as solvent polarity dependence. In organic solvents the long wavelength absorption band of the dye is in the reduced interference region. The absorption maximum is at 535 nm in neutral or alkaline solutions in methanol. The absorption spectra undergo a strong bathochromic shift in the presence of acids (lambda(max) = 709 nm) with a concomitant change in the fluorescence spectra. This pH sensitive dye was found to be specially especially useful for organic solvents. The analytical utility of this and similar near-infrared absorbing dyes is discussed.     

Indicator characteristics of bromothymol blue derivatives

Some Bromothymol Blue derivatives with a nitro, amino, isothiocyanato or sulfonamide group substituted on the sulfonated ring of the dibromothymolsulfonephthalein have been studied spectrometrically. All the dyes have two characteristic absorption peaks which can be used to measure pH in the physiological range. The molar absorptivities, wavelengths of maximum absorption and pK(a) values have been determined from the absorbances, and are similar for all four dyes.     

Amino(oligo)thiophene-based environmentally sensitive biomembrane chromophores

There is a growing need for cellular imaging with fluorescent probes that emit at longer wavelengths to minimize the effects of absorption, autofluorescence, and scattering from biological tissue. In this paper a series of new environmentally sensitive hemicyanine dyes featuring amino(oligo)thiophene donors have been synthesized via aldol condensation between a 4-methylpyridinium salt and various amino(oligo)thiophene carboxaldehydes, which were, in turn, obtained from amination of bromo(oligo)thiophene carboxaldehyde. Side chains on these fluorophores impart a strong affinity for biological membranes. Compared with benzene analogues, these thiophene fluorophores show significant red shift in the absorption and emission spectra, offering compact red and near-infrared emitting fluorophores. More importantly, both the fluorescence quantum yields and the emission peaks are very sensitive to various environmental factors such as solvent polarity or viscosity, membrane potential, and membrane composition. These chromophores also exhibit strong nonlinear optical properties, including two-photon fluorescence and second harmonic generation, which are themselves environmentally sensitive. The combination of long wavelength fluorescence and nonlinear optical properties make these chromophores very suitable for applications that require sensing or imaging deep inside tissues.