Synthesis, Characterization and Third Order Nonlinear Optical Studies of Diimine Based Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) Complexes

The Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II) complexes bearing diimine and one‐dimensional (1D) push‐pull NLO‐phores with π‐conjugation between ligands and metal have been synthesized for two‐dimensional (2D) nonlinear optical response. The third‐order nonlinear optical properties of complexes were studied using Z‐scan technique at 532 nm with nanosecond laser pulses. The complexes show optical limiting behavior. The values of the effective two‐photon absorption (2PA) coefficients (β), third‐order nonlinear susceptibilities (χ((3)) and large two‐photon absorption cross sections (σ2) are calculated. Z‐scan results show that complexes are suitable materials for optical limiting as well as optical switching applications.