Nonlinear optical properties of new organotellurium compounds containing azomethine and azo groups under CW laser illumination

• New organotellurium compounds containing azomethine and azo groups were synthesized.
• The values of the nonlinear optical coefficients were measured by Z-scan system.
• The optical power limiting based on nonlinear refraction is determined in sample solution.
• The thermo-optic coefficients were calculated from the nonlinear refraction.
• The composite material P2/PVP may be a possible candidate for the protection of sensors.

Two new organotellurium compounds containing azomethine and azo groups, [2-(2-hydroxynaphthylazo)phenyl][2-(2-methoxybenzylideneamino)-5-methylphenyl]tellurium dibromide (P1) and [2-(2-hydroxynaphthylazo)-5-nitrophenyl][2-(2-methoxy benzylideneamino)-5-methyl phenyl]tellurium dibromide (P2) were synthesized and doped in polyvinylprodidone (PVP) matrix. The nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of these compounds and doped polymer were studied using Z-scan technique at 532 nm. The Z-scan results reveal that the sample solutions and films exhibit self-defocusing nonlinearity. The P2/PVP solutions investigated here exhibit good optical power limiting.