Near-infrared absorbing organic materials with nonlinear transmission properties

This review gives an overview of the nonlinear transmission (NLT) properties of near-infrared absorbing materials such as naphthalocyanines, extended porphyrins, conjugated polyenes, polymethines and other chromophores. Special attention is given to the mechanism of the NLT effect, discussing the several types mechanisms encountered. It focuses on the most important contributions about materials modulation through organic synthesis versatility, permitting the variation of the different physico-chemical features, and consequently aiming the achievement of effective systems in terms of NLT performance.