Two-photon Absorption Cross-section Research Articles

Halogen-modified carbazole derivatives for lipid droplet-specific bioimaging and two-photon photodynamic therapy

Lipid droplets (LDs) are dynamic multifunctional organelles that participate in the regulation of many metabolic processes, visualization of which is necessary for biological research. In this work, a series of two-photon responsive fluorescent probes (C-H, C-Br, and C-I) based on carbazole units were designed and synthesized. Thereinto, an iodine-modified carbazole derivative C-I exhibited an exciting lipid droplet targeting ability due to its excellent lipophilicity. Meanwhile, benefiting from its larger Stokes shift and two-photon absorption cross-section, C-I was employed for two-photon confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy imaging to observe LDs more accurately. In addition, given the heavy atom effect, C-I can effectively generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to cancer cell apoptosis under near-infrared light irradiation. Notably, we explained the process of cell apoptosis through in vitro simulation experiments. This study provides a promising platform for visualization of lipid droplets.

Improved One- and Multiple-Photon Excited Photoluminescence from Cd2+-Doped CsPbBr3 Perovskite NCs.

Metal halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) attract much attention for light-emitting applications due to their exceptional optical properties. More recently, perovskite NCs have begun to be considered a promising material for nonlinear optical applications. Numerous strategies have recently been developed to improve the properties of metal halide perovskite NCs. Among them, B-site doping is one of the most promising ways to enhance their brightness and stability. However, there is a lack of study of the influence of B-site doping on the nonlinear optical properties of inorganic perovskite NCs. Here, we demonstrate that Cd2+ doping simultaneously improves both the linear (higher photoluminescence quantum yield, larger exciton binding energy, reduced trap states density, and faster radiative recombination) and nonlinear (higher two- and three-photon absorption cross-sections) optical properties of CsPbBr3 NCs. Cd2+ doping results in a two-photon absorption cross-section, reaching 2.6 × 106 Goeppert-Mayer (GM), which is among the highest reported for CsPbBr3 NCs.

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.

A biocompatible two-photon absorbing fluorescent mitochondrial probe for deepin vivobioimaging

Mitochondria, key organelles which keep in tune with energy demands for eukaryotic cells, are firmly associated with neurological conditions and post-traumatic rehabilitation. In vivo fluorescence imaging of mitochondria, especially with deep tissue penetration, would open a window to investigate the actual context of the brain. However, the depth of traditional two-photon mitochondrial fluorescence imaging is still limited due to the poor biological compatibility or low two-photon absorption cross-sections. A biocompatible mitochondria-targeted two-photon fluorescent dye (FO2) with an excellent two-photon absorption cross-section (the maximum of 1184 GM at 790 nm) and low cellular toxicity was designed and synthesized to overcome this problem. With this dye, we reached an imaging depth of ca. 640 μm during mitochondrial imaging of cortical cells in live animals. FO2 could be an excellent mitochondrial probe for live animal neural imaging to investigate the function and dysfunction of mitochondria in the brain.

Strong absorber vs. strong emitter in extended π-conjugated systems: a carbo-benzene – benzothiadiazole chromophore

In the search for photoluminescent carbo-benzenes, with the view to measuring the two-photon absorption cross-section by the TPEF method, thienylbenzothiadiazole groups are envisaged as intrinsic fluorophoric substituents through acetylenic linkers.

Two-photon absorption of 28-hetero-2,7-naphthiporphyrins: expanded carbaporphyrinoid macrocycles.

The one- and two-photon absorption (1PA and 2PA) properties of three expanded aceneporphyrinoids, 28-thia-, 28-selena- and 28-tellura-2,7-naphthiporphyrin, have been studied. The open-aperture Z-scan technique was used to determine two-photon absorption cross-sections in the near infrared range using an amplified femtosecond laser system. The maximum values of the cross sections were found to be 99, 200 and 650 GM at 900 nm and 1, 13 and 31 GM at 1400 nm for the three investigated compounds, respectively. These results demonstrate enhanced 2PA properties compared with well-known porphyrin photosensitizers, such as Foscan®, showing the potential of porphyrin core modification for optimizing infrared nonlinear absorbers.

Computational design of ratiometric two-photon fluorescent Zn2+ probes based on quinoline and di-2-picolylamine moieties

To improve two-photon absorption (TPA) response of a newly synthesized probe, a series of ratiometric two-photon fluorescent Zn2+ sensors based on quinoline and DPA moieties have been designed. The one-photon absorption, TPA, and emission properties of the experimental and designed probes before and after coordination with Zn2+ are investigated employing the density functional theory in combination with response functions. The design consists of two levels. In the first level of design, five probes are constructed through using several electron acceptors or donors to increase accepting or donating ability of the fluorophores. It shows that all the designed probes have stronger TPA intensities at longer wavelengths with respect to the experimental probe because of the increased intra-molecular charge transfer. Moreover, it is found that the probe 4 built by adding an acyl unit has the largest TPA cross section among the designed structures due to the form of longer conjugated length and more linear backbone. One dimethylamino terminal attached along the skeleton can improve TPA intensity more efficiently than two side amino groups. Therefore, in the second level of design, a new probe 7 is formed by both an acyl unit and a dimethylamino terminal. It exhibits that the TPA cross sections of probe 7 and its zinc complex increase dramatically. Furthermore, the fluorescence quantum yields of the designed probes 4 and 7 are calculated in a new way, which makes use of the relation between the computed difference of dipole moment and the measured fluorescence quantum yield. The result shows that our design also improves the fluorescence quantum yield considerably. All in all, the designed probes 4 and 7 not only possess enhanced TPA intensities but also have large differences of emission wavelength upon Zn2+ coordination and strong fluorescence intensity, which demonstrates that they are potential ratiometric two-photon fluorescent probes.

Triplet exciton dynamics of pure organics with halogen substitution boosted two photon absorption and room temperature phosphorescence: A theoretical perspective

Organic room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) molecules have shown promising applications in organic light emitting diodes and vivo imaging. Thus, triplet exciton dynamics in solid phase should be revealed and the molecule should possess large two photon absorption (TPA) cross sections under near-infrared excitation. The effects of halogen substitution and intermolecular interaction on RTP and TPA properties are studied at molecular level for a series of derivatives. Surrounding environment in solid phase is considered by combined quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics method. Intermolecular interactions are evaluated by the independent gradient model and calculated through the molecular force field energy decomposition method. Minimum energy crossing point, Huang-Rhys factor and reorganization energy are discussed, triplet exciton dynamics are investigated by thermal vibration correlation function method. Results indicate that the largest TPA cross sections are found for molecule in water. The halogen substitution can enlarge the proportion of (π, π*) and facilitate the intersystem crossing process. Restricted intramolecular rotation motions of dihedral angle in low frequency regions are found for Br-Np-Cz-BF2 in solid phase. While enhanced vibrations of bond length and bond angle in high frequency regions are detected for I-Np-Cz-BF2. Effects of halogen substitution and intermolecular interaction on triplet exciton dynamics are highlighted.

Intramolecular charge transfer-based linear and nonlinear optical properties of a D–π–A–π–D type organic chromophore: Experimental and computational approach

In the sight of the present demand of scientific exploration in nonlinear optics (NLO), we synthesized a symmetric donor–[Formula: see text]–acceptor–[Formula: see text]–donor (D–[Formula: see text]–A–[Formula: see text]–D) type organic chromophore [2-[2,6-di((E)-styryl)]-4H-pyran-4-ylidene]malononitrile (M1) for linear and nonlinear optical studies. The structural character of the compound M1 was confirmed using 1H NMR, [Formula: see text]C NMR, and IR spectroscopy. The intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) in molecule M1 has been analyzed using absorption and fluorescence spectrometry in different nonpolar and polar solvents. The optical bandgap, optical conductivity, and linear refractive index of M1 were also calculated using UV–Vis absorption spectrum in CHCl3. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also carried out to check the thermal stability of the compound M1 and it was found to be thermally stable up to 200∘C. Furthermore, the third-order optical nonlinearity in M1 has been investigated elaborately using the [Formula: see text]-scan technique with a continuous wave (CW) diode laser at 520[Formula: see text]nm. The nonlinear absorption ([Formula: see text]), nonlinear refraction ([Formula: see text]), and nonlinear optical susceptibility ([Formula: see text]) were computed for various solution concentrations as well as several laser powers and the magnitude of all the parameters were found to vary linearly with concentration and power. The magnitude of two-photon absorption cross-section ([Formula: see text]) was also calculated and found to be of the order of 10[Formula: see text] GM. The optical limiting performance of the compound was also studied in different solution concentrations using the same laser. Furthermore, DFT and TD-DFT theoretical calculations were performed for the support of experimental results.

Two-Photon Time-Gated In Vivo Imaging of Dihydrolipoic-Acid-Decorated Gold Nanoclusters.

Due to the unique advantages of two-photon technology and time-resolved imaging technology in the biomedical field, attention has been paid to them. Gold clusters possess excellent physicochemical properties and low biotoxicity, which make them greatly advantageous in biological imaging, especially for in vivo animal imaging. A gold nanocluster was coupled with dihydrolipoic acid to obtain a functionalized nanoprobe; the material displayed significant features, including a large two-photon absorption cross-section (up to 1.59 × 105 GM) and prolonged fluorescence lifetime (>300 ns). The two-photon and time-resolution techniques were used to perform cell imaging and in vivo imaging.

Impact of the Structural Modification of Diamondoid Cd(II) MOFs on the Nonlinear Optical Properties.

A change in the degree of interpenetration (DOI) in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) prompted by heat, pressure, or exchange of solvents is a fascinating phenomenon that can potentially impact the functional properties of MOFs. Structural transformation involving two noncentrosymmetric MOFs with different DOIs provides a rare opportunity to manipulate their optical properties. Herein, we report an unusual single-crystal-to-single-crystal (SCSC) transformation of a noncentrosymmetric 7-fold interpenetrated diamondoid (dia) Cd(II) MOF into another noncentrosymmetric but 8-fold interpenetrated dia MOF upon the removal of guest solvents. A hydrogen-bond network formed between the lattice solvents and linker trans-2-(4-pyridyl)-4-vinylbenzoate (pvb) in a 7-fold interpenetrated noncentrosymmetric MOF results in a significant increase in the two-photon absorption cross-section (11 times) as compared to that in the desolvated 8-fold interpenetrated MOF. Also, an increase in the DOI in the noncentrosymmetric crystals strengthened the π···π interaction between the individual diamondoid networks and enhanced the second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) coefficient (deff) by 4.5 times. These results provide a way to manipulate the optical properties of MOFs using a combined strategy of the formation of hydrogen bonds and interpenetration for access to tunable single-crystal NLO devices in an SCSC manner. By changing the experimental conditions, another dia Cd(II) MOF with 4-fold interpenetration can be isolated. In this centrosymmetric MOF, the olefin groups in the backbone of the ligand (pvb) undergo a [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction quantitatively under UV light but in a non-SCSC fashion.

E/Z Molecular Photoswitches Activated by Two-Photon Absorption: Comparison between Different Families.

Nonlinear optical techniques as two-photon absorption (TPA) have raised relevant interest within the last years due to the capability to excite chromophores with photons of wavelength equal to only half of the corresponding one-photon absorption energy. At the same time, its probability being proportional to the square of the light source intensity, it allows a better spatial control of the light-induced phenomenon. Although a consistent number of experimental studies focus on increasing the TPA cross section, very few of them are devoted to the study of photochemical phenomena induced by TPA. Here, we show a design strategy to find suitable E/Z photoswitches that can be activated by TPA. A theoretical approach is followed to predict the TPA cross sections related to different excited states of various photoswitches’ families, finally concluding that protonated Schiff-bases (retinal)-like photoswitches outperform compared to the others. The donor-acceptor substitution effect is therefore rationalized for the successful TPA activatable photoswitch, in order to maximize its properties, finally also forecasting a possible application in optogenetics. Some experimental measurements are also carried out to support our conclusions.

Observation of up-conversion fluorescence from exciplex of m-MTDATA:TPBi blend

Exciplex-type thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials exhibit charming application potential in organic light-emitting diodes. However, investigations on their non-linear optical properties are rather rare. Here, we report up-conversion fluorescence from an electron donor-acceptor exciplex blend composed of the donor 4,4′,4″-Tris(N-3-methylphenyl-N-phenyl-amino)-triphenylamine (m-MTDATA) and the acceptor 1,3,5-Tris(1-phenyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene (TPBi). Strong up-conversion fluorescence has been observed and a two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section σ of ∼387 GM has been measured. The optical spectra analysis indicates that the TPA is dominated by the exciton absorption of m-MTDATA molecules. The observed up-conversion fluorescence is explained by a joint mechanism including TPA, exciplex formation, reverse intersystem crossing, and prompt or delayed fluorescence. The TADF and up-conversion fluorescence properties of this exciplex blend have great application potentials in linear and non-linear optics.

NIR-II Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks (HOFs) Used for Target-Specific Amyloid-β Photooxygenation in an Alzheimer's Disease Model.

Phototherapy has emerged as a powerful approach for interrupting β-amyloid (Aβ) self-assembly. However, deeper tissue penetration and safer photosensitizers are urgent to be exploited for avoiding damaging nearby normal tissues and improving therapeutic effectiveness. A hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF)-based NIR-II photooxygenation catalyst is presented here to settle the abovementioned challenges. By encapsulating the pyridinium hemicyanine dye DSM with a large two-photon absorption (TPA) cross-section in NIR-II window into the porphyrin-based HOF, the resultant DSM@n-HOF-6 exhibits significant two-photon NIR-II-excited Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) to generate singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) for Aβ oxidation. Further, the target peptides of KLVFFAED (KD8) are covalently grafted on DSM@n-HOF-6 to enhance the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and Aβ selectivity. The HOF-based photooxygenation catalyst shows an outstanding inhibitory effect of Aβ aggregation upon the NIR-II irradiation. Further in vivo studies demonstrate the obvious decrease of craniocerebral Aβ plaques and recovery of memory deficits in triple-transgenic AD (3×Tg-AD) model mice.

Na-doped carbon nanodots: shed light on the concentration modulated photoluminescence and two-photon absorption performance

Metal-doped carbon nanodots (m-CNDs) have recently received attention due to their tunable optical properties useful in biophotonics and optoelectronics. Here, we present a green, rapid, and facile synthesis of m-CNDs via a one-pot solid phase (powder) flux technique in a solvent-free environment, with Na as a metal doping agent adsorbed to their surface. The average radius of the m-CNDs in colloids of different concentrations varied from 1.5 up to 5 nm due to aggregation effects. Concentration-dependent optical properties from these colloids were determined by studying thoroughly one- and two-photon excitations. The results show that the Na-doping in m-CNDs not only can enhance 100% the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), but also increases considerably the two-photon absorption cross sections (σTPA) compared with pristine carbon nanodots. m-CNDs exhibited multifarious emissive centers with PLQY from 10% to 22%, while a maximum σTPA of 19.7 × 103 GM was observed for m-CNDs with a radius of 5 nm at 730 nm, a nonlinearity that is comparable or higher than in other heteroatoms (metal and nonmetal) doped carbon nanodots. These large values of σTPA are discussed in the context of previous reports for a variety of carbon nanodots, pointing out that Na had not been used previously as a doping agent to enhance optical nonlinearities in m-CNDs. This work offers a novel avenue for tuning σTPA in m-CNDs and endows them with potential for various applications.

Influence of electron-withdrawing groups in two-photon absorption of imidazopyridines derivatives

This work investigates the influence of different electron-withdrawing groups (Cl, Br, fluorobenzonitrile), on the two-photon absorption cross-section of six imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives. The two-photon absorption cross-section spectra were obtained by ultra-fast Z-scan technique from 470 nm up to 700 nm. The Sum-Over-States approach was applied to model the two-photon absorption spectra, using a three-level energy system. Photophysical properties, such as transition dipole moment, the difference of permanent dipole moments, and anisotropy coefficient were determined through the analysis of one-photon absorption spectra, solvatochromism, and fluorescence anisotropy, respectively. Besides, the excited state absorption spectra were measured through ultra-fast transient absorption, allowing the excited state lifetime and spectral position determination. Two-photon absorption cross-sections of about 160 GM were observed when two electron-withdrawing groups are linked to the imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine core, elucidating a path to achieve high optical nonlinearities in imidazopyridine derivatives. Furthermore, a increase in the two-photon cross-section was observed when chloride is linked at the C-6 position (90 GM) instead of the C-5 position (50 GM), which is related to the proximity of a higher excited state.

Photoredox Catalysis Mediated by Tungsten(0) Arylisocyanides.

W(CNAr)6 (CNAr = arylisocyanide) photoreductants catalyze base-promoted homolytic aromatic substitution (BHAS) of 1-(2-iodobenzyl)-pyrrole in deuterated benzene. Moderate to high efficiencies correlate with W(CNAr)6 excited-state reduction potentials upon one-photon 445 nm excitation, with 10 mol % loading of the most powerful photoreductants W(CNDipp)6 (CNDipp = 2,6-diisopropylphenylisocyanide) and W(CNDippPhOMe3)6 (CNDippPhOMe3 = 4-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-2,6-diisopropylphenylisocyanide) affording nearly complete conversion. Stern-Volmer quenching experiments indicated that catalysis is triggered by substrate reductive dehalogenation. Taking advantage of the large two-photon absorption (TPA) cross sections of W(CNAr)6 complexes, we found that photocatalysis can be driven with femtosecond-pulsed 810 nm excitation. For both one- and two-photon excitation, photocatalysis was terminated by the formation of seven-coordinate WII-diiodo [WI2(CNAr)5] complexes. Notably, we discovered that W(CNDipp)6 can be regenerated by chemical reduction of WI2(CNDipp)5 with excess ligand present in solution.

New 1,4-divinylbenzene conjugated truxene dyes possessing D-π-D structure: Synthesis, linear photophysics and two-photon absorption

A series of four 1,4-divinylbenzene linked truxene moieties with different substituents were synthesized by Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction. Their structures were characterized using NMR spectroscopy and HRMS spectrometry. The photophysical properties of these molecules in solvents of different polarity were investigated by UV–vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. These results show that these compounds have strong one-photon absorption bands in the near ultraviolet region displaying relatively high fluorescence quantum yields and large Stokes' shifts. In addition, these compounds possess good solid-state fluorescence, high two-photon absorption cross-section and high thermal stability.

Prospects for More Efficient Multi-Photon Absorption Photosensitizers Exhibiting Both Reactive Oxygen Species Generation and Luminescence.

The use of two-photon absorption (TPA) for such applications as microscopy, imaging, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) offers several advantages over the usual one-photon excitation. This creates a need for photosensitizers that exhibit both strong two-photon absorption and the highly efficient generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as well as, ideally, bright luminescence. This review focuses on different strategies utilized to improve the TPA properties of various multi-photon absorbing species that have the required photophysical properties. Along with well-known families of photosensitizers, including porphyrins, we also describe other promising organic and organometallic structures and more complex systems involving organic and inorganic nanoparticles. We concentrate on the published studies that provide two-photon absorption cross-section values and the singlet oxygen (or other ROS) and luminescence quantum yields, which are crucial for potential use within PDT and diagnostics. We hope that this review will aid in the design and modification of novel TPA photosensitizers, which can help in exploiting the features of nonlinear absorption processes.

Temperature-dependent and nonlinear optical response of double perovskite Cs2AgBiBr6 nanocrystals

Cs2AgBiBr6 double perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are materials within the halide perovskite family with promising application potential, owing to their nontoxicity and excellent stability. Herein, Cs2AgBiBr6 NCs were synthesized and their photo-physical properties were investigated in detail. The temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) test confirms that their PL mechanism is dependent on the competition between the PL originating from carrier recombination in the conduction band and that in the self-trapping states. Their carrier recombination constants (involving the monomolecular, bimolecular, and Auger recombination rate constants) were obtained from transient absorption data and indicated that the monomolecular recombination decreases with the lowering of temperature, while the bimolecular and Auger recombination show opposite trends. The nonlinear optical properties were studied based on the Z-scan technique, with a two-photon absorption cross section of approximately 1906 GM. Our results suggest that Cs2AgBiBr6 NCs can be extensively applied in the field of optoelectronics, and conventional electronic switches will benefit from the excellent carrier dynamics and nonlinear optical properties.