IR-luminescent molecules in hybrid materials

• Published in: Journal of sol-gel science and technology 2003, Vol.26 (1-3), p.909-913
• Main Authors: PROSPOSITO, P, CASALBONI, M, DE MATTEIS, F, QUATELA, A, GLASBEEK, M, VAN VELDHOVEN, E, ZHANG, H
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Absorption; Chemistry; Chromophores; Colloidal gels. Colloidal sols; Colloidal state and disperse state; Dyes; Emission analysis; Exact sciences and technology; General and physical chemistry; Glass substrates; Near infrared radiation; Optical properties; Photochemistry; Physical chemistry of induced reactions (with radiations, particles and ultrasonics); Sol-gel processes; Steady state
• ISSN: 0928-0707; 1573-4846
• DOI: 10.1023/A:1020732623656

In the present work we report on steady-state and dynamical optical properties of four polymethine dye molecules absorbing in the near infrared (IR) region (0.8–1.1 μm) and emitting around 1.2 μm. The molecules are embedded in organically modified silicate (ORMOSIL) material synthesized by a sol-gel method. The investigated samples were prepared as films, deposited on glass substrates. Steady-state absorption and emission measurements have been accomplished for the chromophores in solution as well as in hybrid organic/inorganic films in order to determine the effect of the solid cage on the optical properties of the chromophore. To better understand the influence of the solid network, we also measured for some of the investigated molecules emission transients with femtosecond time resolution. An estimation of the emission quantum yield of the IR dye molecules in a glassy matrix is also given. The kinetic results are sensitive to guest-host interactions.