The synthesis and NLO properties of 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives for both femtosecond and nanosecond laser pulses

Four 1,8-naphthalimide derivatives were synthesized for new nonlinear optical(NLO) materials. Hydrazone group as a p-π structure was introduced into the molecule to extend conjugation and produce NLO properties. Their linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were studied in details. The results show that these compounds possess strong excited-state absorption (ESA) properties and optical limiting with nanosecond laser pulses at 532 nm. Moreover, they also preserve the luminescence originated from naphthalimide and two-photon absorption (TPA) behaviour which can be observed under femtosecond laser pulses ranged from 750 to 870 nm. The broad-band optcial limiting properties of these compounds indicate that they can be potentially applicated in optical limiting materials.