Synthesis and characterization of naphthalene diimide (NDI)-based near infrared chromophores with two-photon absorbing properties

A new series of 2,7-bis-(2-ethylhexyl)-benzo[lmn][3,8]-phenanthroline-1,3,6,8-tetraone (NDI) based pseudo-quadrupolar molecules (1–6) is presented and their two-photon absorption (2PA) cross-sections measured with the Z-scan method. The spectral properties of these compounds can be fine-tuned via modification of the donor segments. The corresponding 2PA cross-section (σ2) values at the most readily available 800 nm excitation range from 229±15 to 1092±59 GM owing to differences in conjugation length and/or position of substitution.