Synthesis, two-photon absorption and optical limiting properties of new linear and multi-branched bithiazole-based derivatives

In this work, a new series of linear and multi-branched bithiazole-based dyes (BTZ-I–IV) possessing terminal triphenylamine group were synthesized and characterized, and their one-and two-photon absorption properties have been investigated. These new compounds exhibited large two-photon absorption cross sections (σ), in which the σ data measured by the open aperture Z-scan technique were determined to be 173, 429, 1132 and 1665 GM for BTZ-I, BTZ-II, BTZ-III and BTZ-IV, respectively. A considerable increase in the value of 2PA cross section was obtained when triple bonds were introduced and the dimensionality and chromophore density increased.

Graphical abstractA new series of linear and multi-branched molecules containing the triphenylamine and bithiazole have been synthesized and characterized. These new compounds exhibited high two-photon absorption cross sections (σ), in which the σ data measured by the open aperture Z-scan technique were determined to be 173, 429, 1132 and 1665 GM for BTZ-I–IV, respectively.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A new series of linear and multi-branched bithiazole-based compounds were designed and synthesized. ► These new compounds exhibited large two-photon absorption cross sections (σ). ► These molecules also showed good optical-limiting properties.