Third-order nonlinear optical properties of one-dimensional metal complexes by the pump-probe method

Various metal complexes have received attention for their large third order nonlinear susceptibilities. Thin films of d8 transition metal complexes with dionedioxime have been shown to form stacks perpendicular to the molecular plane, with the central metal ions forming a quasi-one dimensional chain of delocalized electrons. Results of wavelength dependent pump-probe measurements on these materials are presented, along with interpretation in terms of saturation of the lowest excitonic transition.