Two-photon and three-photon absorption in dinaphthoporphycenes

► Five different porphycenes were studied using Z-scan technique and 2 ps pulses. ► Large values of n2 recorded for all the molecules. ► Singular nonlinear absorption behavior observed in all the molecules. ► 2PA (effective 3PA) was dominant mechanism at low (high) peak intensities. ► Large 2PA and 3PA coefficients and cross-sections observed at 800 nm.