Optical limiting properties of phthalocyanine-fullerene derivatives

The solubility of fullerene (C-60) is improved by combining it with an alky l group of substituted copper (II) phthalocyanine (CuPc) through Diels-Alde r reaction. Optical limiting properties of this compound were investigated by using a double frequency Nd:YAG laser system at a wavelength of 532 nm w ith pulse duration of 45 ps. The results show that there are two separated conjugation systems in this kind of molecule. Both of them independently co ntribute to the reverse saturable absorption. Broadband optical limiting ma terials might be designed based on the combination of various optical limit ing molecules through covalent bonds. Phase separation problems existing in the mixture of various materials can be avoided. (C) 2001 American Institu te of Physics.