Synthesis, characterization and third order nonlinear optical studies of diimine based Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) complexes

Abstract

The Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II) complexes bearing diimine and one-dimensional (1D) push-pull NLO-phores with π-conjugation between ligands and metal have been synthesized for two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear optical response. The third-order nonlinear optical properties of complexes were studied using Z-scan technique at 532 nm with nanosecond laser pulses. The complexes show optical limiting behavior. The values of the effective two-photon absorption (2PA) coefficients (β), third-order nonlinear susceptibilities (χ( (3)) and large two-photon absorption cross sections (σ<inf>2</inf>) are calculated. Z-scan results show that complexes are suitable materials for optical limiting as well as optical switching applications. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.