Synthesis and laser application of the dithiolene nickel complex compounds

A series of dithiolene nickel complex compounds with a general formula (RCS CSR')(2)Ni that have an intense absorption band in near-IR region were succ essfully synthesized and the maximum IR absorption wavelengths of these dye s vary From 875 to 1495 nm in different solvents. Their characteristics of e-switching and mode-locking for different lasers were investigated. Q-swit ched 1064 and 1079 nm laser with a polymer film or organic solution work sa tisfactorily and the pulse widths are 4-10 ns. The dyes in a variety of sol utions show excellent properties in mode-locking the 1079 nm laser, particu larly in mode-locking the 1340 nm laser. The pulse widths are 90-120 ps. Th e experimental results show that the choice of different ring substitutes a nd solvents will greatly influence the corresponding dye laser properties. It is also implied that BDN16 and BDN17 as the mode-locking dyes for the 15 00 nm laser are satisfactory. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.