Synthesis, crystal structure and saturable absorption in the near-IR regions of a new copper complex of dmit: hexadecyltrimethylammonium bis(2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato)-copper.

A new copper complex of dmit, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bis(2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolato)-copper([C16H33(CH3)3N][Cu(dmit)2], abbreviated as CTCU, C16H33(CH3)3N = hexadecyltrimethylammonium, dmit = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolate) has been synthesized and its structure determined by X-ray diffraction. The saturable absorption of CTCU at 1053 nm shows promise as a Q-switch dye in the near IR regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]