Strong two-photon-induced fluorescence from a highly soluble polythiophene

Two-photon-induced fluorescence from a soluble polythiophene containing urethane side groups has been investigated using femto-second laser pulses at 800 nm. Strong two-photon fluorescence was measured in polymer solution. The quadratic dependence of the fluorescence on the excitation laser intensity confirmed the two-photon process. The measured two-photon absorption cross-section is larger as compared to those of other reported polythiophenes. This polymer can be readily hydrolyzed to yield a water soluble polythiophene which could be useful in biological imaging.