Functionalized cyano-OPVs as melt-processable two-photon absorbers

Several cyano-functionalized oligo(phenylenevinylene) (cyano-OPV) dyes were modified with different alkyl substituents with the objective to develop melt-processable, two-photon absorbing materials. The new dyes exhibit two-photon absorption cross-sections in the range of 400-850 GM, can be melt-processed at temperatures as low as similar to 100 degrees C, and offer high thermal stability. The propensity of these molecules to form excimers also makes them interesting for sensor and data storage applications.