New insights into two-photon absorption properties of functionalized aza-BODIPY dyes at telecommunication wavelengths: a theoretical study

Special attention has been paid to understanding the structural effect on electronic structure and absorption spectra for an extensive series of functionalized aza-BODIPY molecules. We have employed the quadratic response theory as well as a sum-over-states approach involving few intermediate states to calculate the two-photon cross section (delta(max)). The results suggest that chemical modifications on the aza-BODIPY core and peripheral moieties using various substituents can finely tune their linear and nonlinear optical properties. Therefore, some new fluorophores absorbing in the near infrared region and featuring considerably high delta(max) at telecommunication wavelengths are proposed, which are excellent candidates for nonlinear transmission and fluorescent labeling materials. The investigation contributes a useful starting point for further design of more effective aza-BODIPY dyes and can be valuable as a foundation for future experimental research and development.