Synthesis, characterization and third-order nonlinear optical studies of copper complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and triphenylphosphine ligands

This research article describes the synthesis, characterization and third-order nonlinear optical studies of copper(I) complexes [Cu(Br)(N,N′-C12H6N2O2)(PPh3)] and [Cu(I)(N,N′-C12H6N2O2)(PPh3)] abbreviated as [CuBrLPPh3] (1) and [CuILPPh3] (2) (L = 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione). Nonlinear optical properties of the complexes are investigated at 532 nm using single beam Z-scan and degenerate four-wave mixing (DFWM) techniques employing nanosecond laser pulses. The complexes show optical limiting behaviour due to “effective” two-photon absorption. The values of the effective two-photon absorption (2PA) coefficients (β), third-order nonlinear susceptibilities (χ(3)), and figures of merit (F), are calculated.

Research highlights▶ In this study we have synthesised and characterized the copper complexes containing 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione and triphenylphosphine ligands. ▶ Nonlinear optical measurements of the complexes were carried out at 532 nm with nanosecond laser pulses using Z-scan technique and degenerate four wave mixing technique (DFWM). ▶ The values of the effective two-photon absorption (2PA) coefficients (β), third-order nonlinear susceptibilities (χ(3)) and figures of merit (F), are calculated. ▶ The complexes show optical limiting behaviour due to “effective” two-photon absorption. ▶ The high thermal stability and large optical nonlinearity of these complexes make them potential candidates for photonic applications.