Photophysical properties of metallic-phthalocyanines dispersed in sonogel optical glasses

V. Torres-Zúñiga, M. E. Sánchez-Vergara, O. G. Morales-Saavedra, C. Alvarez, J. G. Bañuelos

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Phthalocyanines (Pc) based compounds having central metallic atoms of Ni were successfully embedded in mesoporous silica gels via a catalyst-free sol-gel (sonogel) process in order to fabricate optically active solid-state hybrid glasses in both bulk and thin film formats at different dopant concentrations. The organic-inorganic hybrid composites obtained at room temperature processing showed stable mechanical performance, controllable geometrical shapes, good transparency and homogeneity suitable for linear and nonlinear optical (NLO) characterizations. Hybrid samples were studied via the NLO third-harmonic generation (THG) technique. AFM studies, epi-microscopy surface evaluation, refractive-index measurements and UV-Vis spectroscopy studies were also performed in selected bulk and film samples. The morphological and spectroscopic results showed a homogeneous dispersion of the organometallic compounds within the highly pure SiO 2-sonogel network. Moreover, Brewster's angle measurements have demonstrated the feasibility of tuning the refractive index of the samples by varying the chromophore dopant concentration. Additionally, the electronic absorption spectra showed band shifts in the two characteristic bands of the organometallic compound within sonogel environment, which evidence the formation of molecular H-aggregates for the developed hybrids and the consequent modifications of their optical properties. Finally, THG measurements in hybrid film samples exhibited an important NLO activity. We conclude that the optical effects of these composites can be tuned as function of the nickel-Pc concentration and that the sonogel matrix mainly acts as an inert protective shell, giving stable mechanical and thermal properties to the guest dopant compounds.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication22nd Congress of the International Commission for Optics
Subtitle of host publicationLight for the Development of the World
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Dec 2011
Event22nd Congress of the International Commission for Optics: Light for the Development of the World - Puebla, Mexico
Duration: 15 Aug 201119 Aug 2011

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8011
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

Conference22nd Congress of the International Commission for Optics: Light for the Development of the World
Country/TerritoryMexico
CityPuebla
Period15/08/1119/08/11

Keywords

  • hybrid composites
  • nonlinear optics
  • optical materials
  • phthalocyanines
  • sol-gel

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