Two-Dimensional Near-Infrared and Shortwave Infrared Molecular Aggregates: Taking Kasha’s Model to the Next Dimension

Technologies which utilize near-infrared (700 – 1000 nm) and short-wave infrared (1000 – 2000 nm) electromagnetic radiation have applications in deep-tissue imaging, telecommunications and satellite telemetry due to low scattering and decreased background signal in this spectral region. However, there are few molecular species, which absorb efficiently beyond 1000 nm. Transition dipole moment coupling (e.g. J-aggregation) allows for redshifted excitonic states and provides a pathway to highly absorptive electronic states in the infrared. We present aggregates of two cyanine dyes whose absorption peaks redshift dramatically upon aggregation in water from ~ 800 nm to 1000 nm and 1050 nm with sheet-like morphologies and high molar absorptivities (e ~ 10⁵ M^-1cm^-1). To describe this phenomenology, we extend Kasha’s model for J- and H-aggregation to describe the excitonic states of 2-dimensional aggregates whose slip is controlled by steric hindrance in the assembled structure. A consequence of the increased dimensionality is the phenomenon of an intermediate “I-aggregate”, one which redshifts yet displays spectral signatures of band-edge dark states akin to an H-aggregate. We distinguish between H-, I- and J-aggregates by showing the relative position of the bright (absorptive) state within the density of states using temperature dependent spectroscopy. Our results can be used to better design chromophores with predictable and tunable aggregation with new photophysical properties.