Polar laser dyes dispersed in polymer matrices: Reverification of charge transfer character and new optical functions

In this paper, we describe the photophysical properties and new functions of 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM) and its derivative, 2-methyl-6-[2-(2,3,6,7-tetrahydro-1H,5H-benzo[i.j]quinolizin-9- yl)-ethenyl]-4H-pyran-4-ylidene)propane dinitrile (DCM2) in various polymer matrices, with respect to intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The maximum fluorescence wavelengths of DCM and DCM2 shifted to red with an increase in the dielectric constant of the polymer matrix. The fluorescence lifetime shortened according to the matrix polarity. When a polymer with a dielectric constant varying according to its crystalline structure, poly(vinylidenefluoride-co- trifluoroethylene) (PVdF-co-TrFE), was used as a matrix, we were able to thermally tune the fluorescence wavelength as well as the fluorescence intensity of DCM2. The locked molecular structure of DCM2 was very effective for maintaining the charge transfer character during thermal stimulation.