Investigating some linear and nonlinear optical properties of the azo dye (1-amino-2-hydroxy naphthalin sulfonic acid-[3-(4-azo)]-4-amino diphenyl sulfone)

The optical constants of an azo dye (1-amino-2-hydroxy naphthalin sulfonic acid-[3-(4-azo)]-4-amino diphenyl sulfone) films have been investigated. The transmittance and absorbance spectra were measured in the wavelength range of (300–900) nm. The oscillator energy (Eo), dispersion energy (Ed) and the static refractive index (n0) have been determined by the Wemple–DiDomenico method. The nonlinear refractive index and the nonlinear absorption coefficient of the azo dye in the ethanol solution were measured by the Z-scan technique using diode laser at 657.2 nm wavelength. The low power optical limiting properties based on the nonlinear refraction of this material have also been studied.

► Azo dye was prepared from 4,4-diaminodiphenyl sulfone with chromotropic acid by the fox method.
► Some optical parameters were determined from the reflection and transmission spectra.
► The values of the nonlinear optical constants were evaluated by the Z-scan method.
► The optical limiting action based on nonlinear refraction is demonstrated in sample solution.
► This material may be a suitable candidate for the optoelectronic applications.