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.