Two-photon absorption induced applications in the visible range: optical limiting and polymerization

Two-photon absorption (TPA) induced applications in the visible spectral range (optical limiting and 3D microfabrication by photopolymerization) are reported. A work of molecular engineering was performed for each application to design organic systems exhibiting efficient effects. In the case of optical limiting, the new "oligomer" strategy based on exciton coupling between monomers leads to a large enhancement of TPA properties with the length of the system and to promising optical limiting properties. Microfabrication of 3D structures, using low-cost microlasers, is described from optimized organic photoinitiators, whereas commercial UV resins require intense pulses; different objects are shown.