| abstract |
Infrared (IR) radiation absorbing compounds of metal or metalloids with ligands are beneficial for many applications. Schiff base biquinone (SBB) ligands surrounding a metal or metalloid center may be used for laser welding applications, as one example, wherein effective infared radiation absorption and heat resistance are required. These compounds may be known as Schiff base biquinone metal complexes (SBBC's). The compositions and methods of this invention provide examples of many different NIR absorbing compounds that exhibit high NIR absorbing strength, good thermal stability, and relatively low visible color. The IR absorbing compounds may employ one or more of the following elements: Si, Zr, Bi, Sb, Ce, Cs, K, Mo. |