Ultrafast dynamics and third-order nonlinear optical response of meso-(2-thienyl)porphyrin derivatives

Meso-(2-thienyl) porphyrin derivatives were synthesized. Excited state reverse saturable absorption was observed at 532 nm while two-photon absorption was observed at 800 nm. The nonlinear optical properties are increased by introducing the donator of thienyl group. Meso-(2-thienyl) porphyrin derivatives showed good nonlinear response at low energy. High third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility values (10⁻¹⁰ esu) of metal-free porphyrin derivatives were obtained. The mechanisms of third-order nonlinearity were proposed by the pump-probe experiment. With the observed fast electronic nonlinearities the studied molecules are potential candidates for use as optical limiters or optical switches.