Two-photon absorption behavior of conjugated oligomers suitable for low colour temperature LEDs

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) with low colour temperatures (CTs) have been proved to be physiologically-friendly light sources. However, there are few reports on the photophysical properties of luminescent materials with CTs lower than candlelight. Herein, one- and two-photon optical properties of four fluorenone-based conjugated oligomers have been systemically investigated. By using a sum-over-essential states (SOS) approach, we obtained the transition dipole moments and two-photon absorption (TPA) cross sections. The triphenylamine end-capped oligomer exhibits reddish orange luminescence with extremely low colour temperature of 1686 K, which is much lower than that of candlelight. Fluorene–ethylene units serving as π-spacers could weaken the role of electron-donating units and effectively enhance the TPA performance of oligomers. Our results provide an effective way for the design and optimization of universal light-emitting material candidates in optoelectronic devices.