Optical limiting behaviour of linear fused ring dichloro-substituent chalcone isomers

Abstract The third-order nonlinear optical response of halogen anthracenyl chalcone isomers in dimethyl sulphonate (DMSO) as the solvent has been studied. Single beam Z-scan technique at 532nm of laser excitation wavelength is used to determine magnitude and sign of the nonlinear refractive index (n2) and nonlinear absorption coefficient (β). The samples exhibited a self-focusing effect with a negative from the closed aperture z-scan analysis. The n2 is observed to be 10−8 cm2/W. Open z-scan data showed reverse saturable absorptions with significant β for both samples. The magnitude of β is of the order of 10−4 cm/W. Optical limiting studies show a decrement in transmittance as a function of input fluence. Optical limiting action begins at as low as 20 kW/cm2 of focal input intensity which is ideal for low powered continuous wave laser limiting applications. From the third-order nonlinear properties results, the compound is recommended for optoelectronic and photonics application.