Nonlinear optical properties and applications of 2D materials: theoretical and experimental aspects

In this review, we survey the recent advances in nonlinear optics and the applications of two-dimensional (2D) materials. We briefly cover the key developments pertaining to research in the nonlinear optics of graphene, the quintessential 2D material. Subsequently, we discuss the linear and nonlinear optical properties of several other 2D layered materials, including transition metal chalcogenides, black phosphorus, hexagonal boron nitride, perovskites, and topological insulators, as well as the recent progress in hybrid nanostructures containing 2D materials, such as composites with dyes, plasmonic particles, 2D crystals, and silicon integrated structures. Finally, we highlight a few representative current applications of 2D materials to photonic and optoelectronic devices

Enhanced two photon absorption cross section and optical nonlinearity of a quasi-octupolar molecule

Two photon absorption (2PA) cross sections of two quasi-octupolar molecules (E,E,E)-2,4,6-tris [2-(4-N,N-diphenylaminophenyl)vinyl]pyridine (DPATSP) and (2,4,6-tris((E)-4-(diphenylamino)styryl)-1-methylpyridine-1-ium iodide, DPATSP-Me) have been estimated. It has been found that by introducing the pyridinium ion, the 2PA cross section of DPATSP-Me increases with respect to the parent molecule, DPATSP. Z-scan experiments on the two samples reveal that DPATSP-Me is a better candidate for optical limiting applications