PAES

The exploration of solid-state optical power limiting (OPL) materials based on nonlinear absorption (NLA) with heat resistance is essential and leading-edge. We present two types of poly(arylene ether sulfone)s (PAES) derived from platinum acetylide, featuring varying conjugation lengths and platinum-contents. The platinum-incorporated PAES exhibit outstanding thermal properties (Tg > 180℃, Td5% ≥ 400℃) with easily processing into solid films from solvents. Photophysics, ultrafast transient absorption (TA), Z-scan characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal an abnormal intersystem crossing (ISC) and the principle of triplet nonlinear limiting (S0→S1→Tx→T1→Tn). The extended τP caused by the longer conjugated ligand is more critical on NLA, compared with the lower ΦP caused by higher Pt-contents. PAES with longer conjugated ligand exhibit superior intrinsic NLA under limited platinum content, while those with shorter conjugated ligands strike a balance between transparency and NLA. The optical limiting threshold (Fth) of the solid-state film is as low as 1.86 J/cm2. This study involves the preparation of solid-state OPL films using platinum-modified PAES, revealing an intrinsic link between structure and optical properties.