The Design and Synthesis of New Organic Molecules with Large Two-Photon Absorption Cross-Sections for Optical Limiting Applications

The molecular structure / nonlinear optical (NLO) property relationship is explored with seven recently synthesized chromophores. Two symmetrical compounds were made using electron withdrawing groups separated by an electron rich core while five asymmetrical molecules were developed using electron donating and withdrawing groups coupled by a it electron bridging group. Pendant chains were added to some of the chromophores to improve processibility. Their syntheses are described and their optical limiting properties discussed.