Two-photon spectroscopy of cyclometalated iridium complexes.

The near-infrared two-photon absorption (TPA) spectra of a series of cyclometalated iridium complexes have been measured. These complexes exhibit moderately large TPA cross-sections of approximately 20 GM at the biological relevant wavelength of 800 nm. A new complex has been designed and synthesised, and found to have an increased cross-section of 44 GM at 800 nm. Full photophysical characterisation of this complex is presented. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2011