Silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) are nanometer-sized semiconducting materials. Their small size endows them with unique photophysical properties. Efficient photoluminescence (PL) from silicon nanocrystal (SiNC) composites has important implications for emerging solar-energy collection technologies, yet a detailed understanding of PL relaxation in non-colloidal SiNCs is still materializing. In this dissertation, we examine the photophysical properties of silicon nanocrystal/off-stoichiometry thiol-ene composites (SiNCs/OSTE hybrids). The dissertation begins with an introduction to the photophysical properties of SiNCs, their photophysical properties, how SiNC/polymer composites are made, the various SiNC preparation techniques, and the most likely application areas for these nanocrystals. A description of experimental methods such as PL spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) follows, and SiNC/OSTE polymer preparation methods are then explained in detail. In the first study, TEM and photophysical characterization were performed on selected polydisperse SiNCs samples. These samples were synthesized in a nonthermal plasma reactor, using Si6H12 as precursor, and functionalized with R (where R is 1-dodecene). These SiNCs were dispersed in mesitylene:1-dodecene (5:1) as a colloid. Optical absorption, quantum efficiency, and PL lifetime of SiNCs were then investigated, as well as the relationship between quantum yield, lifetime, and PL peak. In the second study, we selected samples for size separation via the density gradient ultracentrifugation method (DGU). We successfully applied this technique to separate silicon nanocrystals with sizes from 2 nm to 4 nm from the ensemble samples using an engineered density medium layer stack, and photophysical characterization was performed on the DGU size–separated SiNCs. Lastly, we explored details of PL relaxation in photo-polymerized off-stoichiometric polymer/nanocrystal hybrids. We found time- and air-stable emission from dilute composites with up to 70% QY, and we investigated PL relaxation in the parameter space of nanocrystal size and temperature. In light of previous work, our results reveal similarities between the impacts of crosslinking and cooling to cryogenic temperature, but of which are characterized by a relative reduction in the available of phonons.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been investigated over the past three decades and is currently an approved therapeutic modality for skin cancer, the treatment of superficial bladder, early lung and advanced esophageal cancers, and age-related macular degeneration in a number of countries. In PDT, the absorption of light by a chromophore generates cytotoxic species such as reactive singlet oxygen, leading to irreversible destruction of the treated tissue. The measurement of the singlet oxygen quantum yield is an important determinant used to evaluate the efficiency of new photodynamic therapy agents developed in the laboratory, to screen potential photosensitizers in aqueous media.The singlet oxygen quantum yield is a quantitative measurement of the efficiency in which photosensitizers are able to use energy, in the form of light, to convert oxygen in the ground state to the reactive species singlet oxygen useful in photodynamic therapy. Singlet oxygen quantum yields of photosensitizers differ when measured in different solvents. The majority of the existing quantum yield values found in literature for various photosensitizers are documented with the sensitizers in organic solvents though values in aqueous media are more valuable for actual applications. Determination of accurate and precise quantum yield values in aqueous solution is a much more difficult problem than in organic media. Problems in aqueous solution arise primarily from the physicochemical properties of singlet oxygen in water. Singlet oxygen has a much shorter lifetime in water than it does in organic solvents, causing challenges with respect to quantitative detection of singlet oxygen.The ensuing pages are an attempt to explore the theory and document the procedures developed to provide the accurate measurement of singlet oxygen in aqueous media. Details of this experimental method and singlet oxygen quantum yield results of new compounds relative to established photosensitizers will be presented.

Title: Methods of Study of Photosensitizer-photophysics with Application on Thiazolyl-porphyrins Author: Marek Scholz Department: Department of Chemical Physics and Optics Supervisor: RNDr. Roman Dědic, Ph.D. Supervisor's e-mail address: Roman.Dedic@mff.cuni.cz Abstract: Photodynamic therapy for oncologic and various chronic diseases is a rapidly emerging method of treatment. It is based on the production of highly reactive singlet oxygen and free radicals by excitation energy transfer from the molecules of photosensitizers. Photosensitizers are preferentially accumulated in the target tissues and locally illuminated. This way produced reactive species cause apoptosis or necrosis of the cells leading to the desired therapeutic effect. Synthesis and subsequent photophysical characterization of photosensitizing dyes is a fundamental part of the development of photodynamic methods. The main aim of the work is to explain the most widely used methods of photophysical study of photosensitizers and apply them to new synthesized photosensitizers: thiazolyl-porphyrins. Methods of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, flash- photolysis, time- and spectral-resolved detection of luminescence, optoacoustic spectroscopy and other spectroscopic methods were used. Thiazolyl-porphyrins proved to be promising new...

Este trabalho apresenta a síntese e os estudos foto e eletroluminescentes dos complexos de β-dicetonatos (dibenzoilmetanato -DBM) de terras raras trivalentes (TR=Eu3+, Sm3+ e Gd3+) hidratados e contendo ligantes sulfóxidos (L= dibenzilsulfóxido - DBSO, dimetisulfóxido - DMSO, difenilsulfóxido - DPSO e p-toluilsulfóxido - PTSO). Os complexos obtidos foram caracterizados através das seguintes técnicas: i) análise elementar de carbono e hidrogênio; ii) análise dos íons TR3+ por titulação complexométrica; iii) difração de Raios X (método do pó); iv) análise térmica; v) espectroscopia vibracional de absorção no infravermelho (IV); e vi) microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). As curvas TG/DTG dos complexos [TR(DBM)3H2O] e [TR(DBM)3(L)2] apresentam as etapas de decomposição térmica bem definidas e indicam que os complexos com ligantes sulfóxidos apresentam maior estabilidade térmica que os hidratados. Os espectros de absorção na região do IV evidenciam que a coordenação dos ligantes orgânicos (DBM e sulfóxidos) ao íon TR3+ ocorre através dos átomos de oxigênio. As fotomicrografias dos filmes indicam que as técnicas de deposição de filmes a vácuo e em solução podem fornecer filmes de boa qualidade. Os difratogramas de Raios X permitem o agrupamento dos complexos [TR(DBM)3(L)2] em uma mesma série isomórfica. Os espectros de emissão exibem desdobramentos das transições 5D0→7FJ (J=O-4) para os complexos de Eu3+ e 4G5/2→ 6HJ (J=5/2-11/2) para o Sm3+, que obedecem à regra de seleção 2J+1 e J+½, respectivamente. Os altos valores de parâmetros de intensidade Ω2 dos complexos de Eu3+ indicam que o íon TR encontra-se em um ambiente químico altamente polarizável. As curvas de decaimento dos níveis emissores 5D0 (Eu3+) e 4G5/2 (Sm3+) apresentam comportamento mono-exponencial para os complexos indicando a inexistência de outro processo de depopulação. Os valores de tempos de vida (τ) do nível emissor 5D0 dos Eu3+ complexos com ligantes sulfóxidos são maiores do que o complexo hidratado. Os complexos contendo ligantes sutfóxidos apresentam valores de eficiência quântica de emissão (η) e rendimento quântico experimental (q) superiores aos complexos hidratados devido os osciladores OH. Os espectros de emissão do [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] em soluções (etanol ou acetona) e em filmes apresentam perfis similares ao complexo no estado sólido. Tais resultados indicam que os dispositivos podem ser confeccionados através das técnicas em solução (spin coating, dip coating, \"silk screening e ink jetting). Os espectros de fosforescência dos complexos de Gd3+ apresentam as bandas referentes aos estados tripletos (T) do DBM (~486 nm); as quais estão ausentes nos espectros de emissão dos complexos de Eu3+ e Sm3+, indicando uma eficiente transferência de energia do estado T do ligante para os níveis emissores 5D0 do íon Eu3+ e 4G5/2 do íon Sm3+. O complexo [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] foi utilizado como camada emissora de luz vermelha na confecção dos dispositivos eletroluminescentes (EL); os quais foram confeccionados através da técnica de deposição física a vapor e apresentam as seguintes estruturas: (1) ITO / MTCD / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Alq3 / AI; (2) ITO / NPB / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Alq3 / Al; e (3) ITO / NPB / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Al. O filme depositado de MTCD= 1-(3-metilfenil)-1,2,3,4-tetrahidroquinolina-6-carboxialdeído-1,1-difenilhidrazona e NPB= N, N\'-bis(1-naftil) - N, N\'- difenil - 1,1\' - bifenil - 4, 4\'- diamina, atuam como transportadores molecuares de lacunas (buracos). O composto Alq3 [tris(8-quinolinonato)alumínio(III)] atua como transportador de elétrons. Deve-se ressaltar que o [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] também apresentam propriedades de transportadores de elétrons, o que tende a reduzir os custos de produção dos dispositivos EL orgânicos. A última camada do dispositivo eletroluminescente corresponde ao alumínio, o qual atua como catodo e refletor. Os espectros eletroluminescentes dos dispositivos exibem emissões características das transições 5D0→ 7FJ oriundas do íon Eu3+. A caracterização elétrica dos dispositivos indica que o dispositivo bi-camada apresenta maior eficiência do que o tri-camada. As coordenadas CIE (Commission Internationale de l\'Eclairage) dos dispositivos EL apresentam contribuições da emissão do NPB (400-600 nm) e da transição 5D1→ 7F1 do íon . Este problema pode ser solucionado com a alteração da arquitetura dos dispositivos (NPB, MTCD, TDP e Alq3). / This work presents the synthesis and photo and electroluminescent study of rare earth (RE3+= Eu3+, Gd3+ and Sm3+) β-diketonate (dibenzoylmethane - DBM) complexes with hydrated and sulfoxide ligands (L= benzyl sulfoxide -DBSO, methyl sulfoxide - DMSO, phenyl sulfoxide - DPSO and p-tolylsulfoxide - PTSO). The complexes were characterized by the following techniques: i) elemental analysis of carbon and hydrogen; ii) analysis of RE3+ by complexometric titration; iii) X Rays diffraction patterns; iv) thermal anaiysis; v) IR spectroscopy and vi) scanning electron microscope (SEM). The TG/DTG curves of [RE(DBM)3H2O] and [RE(DBM)3(L)2] complexes present stages of thermal decomposition well defined for the complexes and indicate higher thermal stability when compared with hydrated complex. The IR spectral data indicate that the coordination of organic ligands (DBM and sulfoxides) to RE3+ ions occur through the oxygen atoms. The photomicrographs obtained from films indicate which vacuum and solution techniques can give films with good quality. The X Rays diffraction patterns suggest that the [RE(DBM)3(L)2] complexes are in the same isomorfic series. The emission spectra of the complexes exhibit the 5D0→7FJ transitions (J=0-4) from the Eu3+ ion and 4G5/2→6HJ (J=5/2-11/2) from the Sm3+ ion, which follow the selection rule 2J+1 and J+½, respectively. The high values of the Ω2 intensity parameters of Eu3+ complexes indicate that the RE ion is in a highly polarizable chemical environment. The luminescence decay curves show a mono- exponential behavior for the complexes indicating the inexistence of other channel depopulation. The lifetimes (τ) values of the emitting level from RE3+ -complexes with sulfoxide ligands are higher than hydrated complexes. The complexes containing sulfoxide ligands present higher values of emission quanturn efficiency (η) and quantum yield (q) than hydrated complexes due OH oscillators. The emission spectra of [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] in solutions and fiIms show the similar spectrum profles compared with that in solid state. These results indicate device construction could be realized from solution techniques as spin coating, dip coating, silk screening and ink jetting. The phosphorescence spectra of the Gd3+-complexes show broaden bands arising from the triplet states (T) of the DBM-(~486nm); which are absent in the emission spectra for the RE3+ complexes indicating an efficient energy transfer from the (T) state of the ligand to the emitting level 5D0 and 4G5/2 of Eu3+ and Sm3+ ions, respecfively. The complex [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] was utilized as emitting layer of red light in construction of electroluminescent (EL) devices. These devices were constructed through Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) technique and they present the following structures: (1) ITO / MTCD / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Alq3 / AI; (2) ITO / NPB / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Alq3 / Al; e (3) ITO / NPB / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Al The MTCD =1-( 3-methylphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline-6-carboxyaldehyde-1,1-diphenyilhydrazone; and NPB =N,N-diphenyl-N,N-bis(1-naphthyl)-1,1-biphenyl-4,4\'-diamine, act as hole transporting layer (HTL). The Alq3, (8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum) thin film act as electron transporting layer (ETL). The [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] complex shows electron transport properties; which tend to reduce the cost of production of this type of organic electroluminescent (EL) devices. The last layer is the Al (aluminum) thin íilm, which act as cathode and reflector of emitted light. The CIE (Commission Internationale de l\'Eclairage) coordinates of the EL devices show contributions of emission from the NPB (400-600 nm) and 5D1→ 7F1 transition from the Eu3+ ion. This problem can be solved with alteration h the architecture of the device (NPB, MTCD, TPD and Alq3.

Au cours de cette thèse, nous avons synthétisé et caractérisé de nouveaux composés en utilisant le macrocycle porphyrinique comme brique moléculaire de départ. Le but de ce travail étant l’étude des propriétés optiques de ces nouveaux composés obtenus. Après avoir effectué l’étude bibliographique sur les porphyrines, nous avons fait une présentation générale des porphyrines symétriques et non symétriques, de leurs propriétés et de leurs synthèses. D’autre part, nous avons aussi considéré l’unité fluorène qui possède des propriétés photophysiques très intéressantes comme antenne collectrice de lumière. Puis, nous avons abordé des méthodes de synthèse permettant d’associer le macrocycle porphyrinique avec de nombreuses unités fluorènes. Cette association a pu être réalisée de différentes manières : soit de façon dendritique ou par connexion directe sur la porphyrine (dimère et trimère). Nous avons également décrit l’obtention d’une nouvelle famille de porphyrines substituées par des groupements organométalliques de type acétylure de ruthénium et de fer pour l’optique non linéaire de troisième ordre (ONL TO). Lors de la dernière partie de mes travaux de thèse, comme application de ces composés luminescents dans le rouge, nous avons reporté l’élaboration de différents dispositifs de diodes électroluminescentes (OLED) émettant dans le rouge. / During this thesis, we have worked on the synthesis and characterization of new compounds using the porphyrin macrocycle as a starting material. The aim, after synthesis, is to study the photophysical properties of these new molecules. A general bibliographic study was presented followed by introducing the synthetic methods of porphyrins and characterization means. Then, fluorene was considered to be an attracting unit due to its interesting photophysical properties: acting as efficient antennae for collecting light. First, we have presented the synthesis of porphyrin dendrimers having fluorenyl arms of different generations. That is to test the effect of number of fluorenes on the photophysical properties. Another way is to connect the fluorenes directly to the porphyrin core by synthesizing porphyrin dimer and trimer. We have also detailed the synthesis and characterization of a new family of porphyrin organometallic assemblies possessing ruthenium and iron moieties. In addition, a new organometallic porphyrin dendrimer bearing twelve ruthenium species was reported as well. These organometallic porphyrins are of interest in the third order of Nonlinear Optics (NLO). In the last chapter of this thesis we showed an example of application of porphyrin chemistry. We reported the elaboration of a new organic light emitting Diode (OLED) using these new porphyrins that emits in the red region.

A method is presented, using calculations of the underwater light field, to examine viability of phytoplankton at depth. For this study, viability is defined as the ability of phytoplankton to harvest, and efficiently convert enough photons into primary production to overcome metabolic demands. How the available light field influences the production environment is examined. Changes in water column constituents, such as chlorophyll and colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) concentration, alter the spectral quality and quantity of the light field at depth. Certain species with specialized survival strategies, such as assemblages of photoprotective and light-harvesting accessory pigments, may be better-suited to 'making a living' at depth in response to the spectral quality of the underwater light field. Stations for study were identified from various cruises off the West Florida Shelf that exhibited variations in chlorophyll and/or CDOM concentration, including an optically complex, red-tide station. Optical and water column constituent measurements from these stations were used to develop input parameters to Hydrolight 4.1, a radiative transfer theory model, to simulate the underwater light field and to calculate absorbed radiation by phytoplankton (ARP). Values for respiration and quantum yield from the literature were used to calculate comparative values of net photosynthesis at these stations. The effect of differences in spectral light harvesting (pigmentation), photosynthetic efficiency rates, and respiration, on viability through the water column was examined.

In part A, the effect of varying short-chain alkyl substitution on the spectroscopic properties of cyanine dyes was examined. Molar absorptivities and quantum yields were determined for groups of pentamethine and heptamethine dyes for which the substitution of the indole nitrogen was varied. For both sets of dyes, increasing alkyl chain length did not significantly change quantum yield or molar absorptivity. These results may be useful in designing new cyanine dyes. In part B, the effect of structure on the suitability of 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyridines as color pH indicators was studied by determining spectral effects of protonation, molar absorptivities, pKa values, and the structural origin of the spectral behavior. Good color indicating properties result from aniline substitution at the 4 position of pyridine and electron donating substitution at the 2 and 6 positions of pyridine, which provide a strong red shift in the spectra and greater red shifted peak absorptivity, respectively.

Fluorescent carbon dots (C-dots) are well known for their low cell-cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, low preparation cost, excitation dependent photoluminescence, and excellent photostability. Typically, raw C-dots have low quantum efficiency and thus researchers have been utilizing biocompatible polymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a passivation agent in order to increase fluorescence signal. In this work, we report fluorescent self-passivated carbon nanodots (CNDs) synthesized from PEG by using it as a carbon source as well as a passivating agent. Importantly, the addition of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) during the synthesis of self-passivated CNDs can tune photoluminescence property. The results of bioimaging and cytotoxicity test of self-passivated CNDs hold promises for biomedicine applications.

Este trabalho apresenta a síntese e os estudos foto e eletroluminescentes dos complexos de β-dicetonatos (dibenzoilmetanato -DBM) de terras raras trivalentes (TR=Eu3+, Sm3+ e Gd3+) hidratados e contendo ligantes sulfóxidos (L= dibenzilsulfóxido - DBSO, dimetisulfóxido - DMSO, difenilsulfóxido - DPSO e p-toluilsulfóxido - PTSO). Os complexos obtidos foram caracterizados através das seguintes técnicas: i) análise elementar de carbono e hidrogênio; ii) análise dos íons TR3+ por titulação complexométrica; iii) difração de Raios X (método do pó); iv) análise térmica; v) espectroscopia vibracional de absorção no infravermelho (IV); e vi) microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). As curvas TG/DTG dos complexos [TR(DBM)3H2O] e [TR(DBM)3(L)2] apresentam as etapas de decomposição térmica bem definidas e indicam que os complexos com ligantes sulfóxidos apresentam maior estabilidade térmica que os hidratados. Os espectros de absorção na região do IV evidenciam que a coordenação dos ligantes orgânicos (DBM e sulfóxidos) ao íon TR3+ ocorre através dos átomos de oxigênio. As fotomicrografias dos filmes indicam que as técnicas de deposição de filmes a vácuo e em solução podem fornecer filmes de boa qualidade. Os difratogramas de Raios X permitem o agrupamento dos complexos [TR(DBM)3(L)2] em uma mesma série isomórfica. Os espectros de emissão exibem desdobramentos das transições 5D0→7FJ (J=O-4) para os complexos de Eu3+ e 4G5/2→ 6HJ (J=5/2-11/2) para o Sm3+, que obedecem à regra de seleção 2J+1 e J+½, respectivamente. Os altos valores de parâmetros de intensidade Ω2 dos complexos de Eu3+ indicam que o íon TR encontra-se em um ambiente químico altamente polarizável. As curvas de decaimento dos níveis emissores 5D0 (Eu3+) e 4G5/2 (Sm3+) apresentam comportamento mono-exponencial para os complexos indicando a inexistência de outro processo de depopulação. Os valores de tempos de vida (τ) do nível emissor 5D0 dos Eu3+ complexos com ligantes sulfóxidos são maiores do que o complexo hidratado. Os complexos contendo ligantes sutfóxidos apresentam valores de eficiência quântica de emissão (η) e rendimento quântico experimental (q) superiores aos complexos hidratados devido os osciladores OH. Os espectros de emissão do [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] em soluções (etanol ou acetona) e em filmes apresentam perfis similares ao complexo no estado sólido. Tais resultados indicam que os dispositivos podem ser confeccionados através das técnicas em solução (spin coating, dip coating, \"silk screening e ink jetting). Os espectros de fosforescência dos complexos de Gd3+ apresentam as bandas referentes aos estados tripletos (T) do DBM (~486 nm); as quais estão ausentes nos espectros de emissão dos complexos de Eu3+ e Sm3+, indicando uma eficiente transferência de energia do estado T do ligante para os níveis emissores 5D0 do íon Eu3+ e 4G5/2 do íon Sm3+. O complexo [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] foi utilizado como camada emissora de luz vermelha na confecção dos dispositivos eletroluminescentes (EL); os quais foram confeccionados através da técnica de deposição física a vapor e apresentam as seguintes estruturas: (1) ITO / MTCD / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Alq3 / AI; (2) ITO / NPB / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Alq3 / Al; e (3) ITO / NPB / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Al. O filme depositado de MTCD= 1-(3-metilfenil)-1,2,3,4-tetrahidroquinolina-6-carboxialdeído-1,1-difenilhidrazona e NPB= N, N\'-bis(1-naftil) - N, N\'- difenil - 1,1\' - bifenil - 4, 4\'- diamina, atuam como transportadores molecuares de lacunas (buracos). O composto Alq3 [tris(8-quinolinonato)alumínio(III)] atua como transportador de elétrons. Deve-se ressaltar que o [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] também apresentam propriedades de transportadores de elétrons, o que tende a reduzir os custos de produção dos dispositivos EL orgânicos. A última camada do dispositivo eletroluminescente corresponde ao alumínio, o qual atua como catodo e refletor. Os espectros eletroluminescentes dos dispositivos exibem emissões características das transições 5D0→ 7FJ oriundas do íon Eu3+. A caracterização elétrica dos dispositivos indica que o dispositivo bi-camada apresenta maior eficiência do que o tri-camada. As coordenadas CIE (Commission Internationale de l\'Eclairage) dos dispositivos EL apresentam contribuições da emissão do NPB (400-600 nm) e da transição 5D1→ 7F1 do íon . Este problema pode ser solucionado com a alteração da arquitetura dos dispositivos (NPB, MTCD, TDP e Alq3). / This work presents the synthesis and photo and electroluminescent study of rare earth (RE3+= Eu3+, Gd3+ and Sm3+) β-diketonate (dibenzoylmethane - DBM) complexes with hydrated and sulfoxide ligands (L= benzyl sulfoxide -DBSO, methyl sulfoxide - DMSO, phenyl sulfoxide - DPSO and p-tolylsulfoxide - PTSO). The complexes were characterized by the following techniques: i) elemental analysis of carbon and hydrogen; ii) analysis of RE3+ by complexometric titration; iii) X Rays diffraction patterns; iv) thermal anaiysis; v) IR spectroscopy and vi) scanning electron microscope (SEM). The TG/DTG curves of [RE(DBM)3H2O] and [RE(DBM)3(L)2] complexes present stages of thermal decomposition well defined for the complexes and indicate higher thermal stability when compared with hydrated complex. The IR spectral data indicate that the coordination of organic ligands (DBM and sulfoxides) to RE3+ ions occur through the oxygen atoms. The photomicrographs obtained from films indicate which vacuum and solution techniques can give films with good quality. The X Rays diffraction patterns suggest that the [RE(DBM)3(L)2] complexes are in the same isomorfic series. The emission spectra of the complexes exhibit the 5D0→7FJ transitions (J=0-4) from the Eu3+ ion and 4G5/2→6HJ (J=5/2-11/2) from the Sm3+ ion, which follow the selection rule 2J+1 and J+½, respectively. The high values of the Ω2 intensity parameters of Eu3+ complexes indicate that the RE ion is in a highly polarizable chemical environment. The luminescence decay curves show a mono- exponential behavior for the complexes indicating the inexistence of other channel depopulation. The lifetimes (τ) values of the emitting level from RE3+ -complexes with sulfoxide ligands are higher than hydrated complexes. The complexes containing sulfoxide ligands present higher values of emission quanturn efficiency (η) and quantum yield (q) than hydrated complexes due OH oscillators. The emission spectra of [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] in solutions and fiIms show the similar spectrum profles compared with that in solid state. These results indicate device construction could be realized from solution techniques as spin coating, dip coating, silk screening and ink jetting. The phosphorescence spectra of the Gd3+-complexes show broaden bands arising from the triplet states (T) of the DBM-(~486nm); which are absent in the emission spectra for the RE3+ complexes indicating an efficient energy transfer from the (T) state of the ligand to the emitting level 5D0 and 4G5/2 of Eu3+ and Sm3+ ions, respecfively. The complex [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] was utilized as emitting layer of red light in construction of electroluminescent (EL) devices. These devices were constructed through Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD) technique and they present the following structures: (1) ITO / MTCD / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Alq3 / AI; (2) ITO / NPB / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Alq3 / Al; e (3) ITO / NPB / [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] / Al The MTCD =1-( 3-methylphenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline-6-carboxyaldehyde-1,1-diphenyilhydrazone; and NPB =N,N-diphenyl-N,N-bis(1-naphthyl)-1,1-biphenyl-4,4\'-diamine, act as hole transporting layer (HTL). The Alq3, (8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum) thin film act as electron transporting layer (ETL). The [Eu(DBM)3(PTSO)2] complex shows electron transport properties; which tend to reduce the cost of production of this type of organic electroluminescent (EL) devices. The last layer is the Al (aluminum) thin íilm, which act as cathode and reflector of emitted light. The CIE (Commission Internationale de l\'Eclairage) coordinates of the EL devices show contributions of emission from the NPB (400-600 nm) and 5D1→ 7F1 transition from the Eu3+ ion. This problem can be solved with alteration h the architecture of the device (NPB, MTCD, TPD and Alq3.

Monomeric red fluorescent proteins (RFPs) are used extensively for applications in molecular biology research, and are especially suited for whole body imaging applications due to their longer excitation and emission wavelengths, which are less damaging and penetrate deeper into animal tissue. However, these proteins suffer from reduced brightness compared to other fluorescent proteins, and require further engineering, which is often achieved through random methods, incurring large time and resource costs. Here we propose a rational design approach to improve the quantum yield of RFPs by reducing conformational variability of the chromophore. We engineered mRojoA, a mutant containing a π-stack involving Tyr197 and the chromophore phenolate, to include the P63F/H/Y mutations on its other side, by simultaneously mutating neighbouring positions 16, 143, and 163. The brightest mutants that we found in each library, mRojo-VYGV, mRojo-VFAV, and mRojo-VHSV, exhibited 1.8- to 2.4-fold increases in brightness, and quantum yield increases of up to 2.1-fold. In all three mutants, the increases in brightness were predominantly due to improvements in the quantum yield and not the extinction coefficient. Solving the crystal structures of two of these mutants along with a dim variant allowed us to strongly infer a link between rigidity of the chromophore and increased quantum yield. In addition, back-mutating position 63 in the highest quantum yield mutant, mRojo-VYGV, reversed the improvement in quantum yield, indicating that Y63 was the primary residue responsible for the improved brightness of the protein. Unfortunately, the mCherry-VYGV mutant did not achieve a similar increase in quantum yield or brightness. This is likely due to the lack of a second bulky aromatic residue at position 197, which is present in mRojoA. Nevertheless, this rational approach could be applied to some other RFPs whose chromophores exhibit increased conformational variability in order to further improve their brightness.