D–π–A type conjugated indandione derivatives: ultrafast broadband nonlinear absorption responses and transient dynamics

The ultrafast nonlinear optical response of two 1,3-indandione derivatives (INB3 and INT3) was systematically investigated by the femtosecond Z-scan and pump-probe technique at multiple visible and near infrared wavelengths. Both compounds show strong broadband nonlinear absorption (NLA) and different wavelength-dependent two-photon absorption (TPA) characteristics in the range of 650-1100 nm. The TPA cross section of trithiophene-based compound INT3 was found to be larger than that of triphenylamine-based compound INB3 in the red region (650-800 nm), which is attributed to its longer π-conjugated structure and better molecular planarity. Interestingly, the effective NLA of INB3 was found to be larger than INT3 in the NIR region (800-1100 nm), which is related to the excited state absorption (ESA) induced by TPA. The ultrafast dynamics of both compounds were investigated by femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy, which revealed a broadband ESA including several relaxation processes. This work extends nonlinear optical research on indandione derivatives, and the results suggest that these derivatives are promising candidates for optical limiting applications.