Synthesis and laser application of the dithiolene nickel complex compounds

A series of dithiolene nickel complex compounds with a general formula (RCSCSR')(2)Ni that have an intense absorption band in near-IR region were successfully synthesized and the maximum IR absorption wavelengths of these dyes vary From 875 to 1495 nm in different solvents. Their characteristics of e-switching and mode-locking for different lasers were investigated. Q-switched 1064 and 1079 nm laser with a polymer film or organic solution work satisfactorily and the pulse widths are 4-10 ns. The dyes in a variety of solutions show excellent properties in mode-locking the 1079 nm laser, particularly in mode-locking the 1340 nm laser. The pulse widths are 90-120 ps. The experimental results show that the choice of different ring substitutes and solvents will greatly influence the corresponding dye laser properties. It is also implied that BDN16 and BDN17 as the mode-locking dyes for the 1500 nm laser are satisfactory. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Limited. All rights reserved.