Fluorescence resonance energy transfer in a novel two-photon absorbing system

A novel fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system containing a two-photon absorbing dye and a nile red chromophore has been synthesized. Upon two-photon excitation by laser at 815 nm this molecule displays efficient energy transfer from the two-photon absorbing dye to the nile red moiety, with an 8-fold increase in emission compared to the model compound. Similarly, single-photon excitation of the two-photon absorbing moiety at 405 nm results in >99% energy-transfer efficiency, along with a 3.4-fold increase in nile red emission compared to direct excitation of the nile red chromophore at 540 nm. This system provides an effective way to use IR radiation to excite molecules that, by themselves, have little or no two-photon absorption.