Synthesis, spectral and third-order nonlinear optical properties of terpyridine Zn(II) complexes based on carbazole derivative with polyether group

• Four Zn(II) terpyridine complexes with different coordination anions were designed and synthesized.
• The linear and nonlinear spectroscopic properties were carried out.
• The results revealed that two Zn(II) complexes possessed larger TPA cross-sections.
• The complex of ZnLCl2 showed superior optical power limiting property.

Four novel Zn(II) terpyridine complexes (ZnLCl2, ZnLBr2, ZnLI2, ZnL(SCN)2) based on carbazole derivative group were designed, synthesized and fully characterized. Their photophysical properties including absorption and one-photon excited fluorescence, two-photon absorption (TPA) and optical power limiting (OPL) were further investigated systematically and interpreted on the basis of theoretical calculations (TD-DFT). The influences of different solvents on the absorption and One-Photon Excited Fluorescence (OPEF) spectral behavior, quantum yields and the lifetime of the chromophores have been investigated in detail. The third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were investigated by open/closed aperture Z-scan measurements using femtosecond pulse laser in the range from 680 to 1080 nm. These results revealed that ZnLCl2 and ZnLBr2 exhibited strong two-photon absorption and ZnLCl2 showed superior optical power limiting property.

Four novel Zn(II) terpyridine complexes (ZnLCl2, ZnLBr2, ZnLI2, ZnL(SCN)2) based on carbazole derivative group were designed, synthesized and fully characterized. Their photophysical properties including absorption and one-photon excited fluorescence, two-photon absorption (TPA) and optical power limiting (OPL) were further investigated systematically and interpreted on the basis of theoretical calculations (TD-DFT). The results of NLO determination revealed that two Zn(II) complexes possessed larger two-photon absorption cross-sections and ZnLCl2 complex showed superior optical power limiting property which suggested a large polarizability, meeting the requirements for third-order NLO materials offering promise for applications in optical limiting in the near infrared region.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide