Nonlinear optical characterization of tetraphenylporphyrin in the picosecond regime

Applying the D4σ-Z-scan technique with a laser delivering single pulses in the picosecond regime at 1064 nm, 532 nm, and 355 nm we report on the nonlinear (NL) optical properties of 5,10,15,20-Tetraphenyl-21H,23Hporphine (TPP) and 5,10,15,20-Tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphine zinc (ZnTPP) solutions prepared in chlorobenzene. Accurate measurements of the NL coefficients for 4 concentrations in both compounds are provided. The results show no response in the IR for both materials, negative NL refraction for TPP in the green changing sign to positive for ZnTPP and positive NL refraction in the UV for both compositions. The NL absorption of these materials is quite huge in the visible range where applications for optical limiting are needed.