Dual-band vibrational lasing emission from cyanine derivatives

The optical properties of cyanine-based compounds are determined by single molecules as well as the dimers and aggregates formed. In our work, we show the influence of the molecular structure of the dye, through the use of modified cyanine derivatives, both on the negative solvatochromic effect and on a tunable, two-band lasing coming from the vibrational states of the molecules. Thus, we demonstrate the dependence of the dye form on optical properties, including nonlinear optical ones. •Extension of the side chain of cyanine derivatives red-shifts the lasing emission.•α-CD facilitates encapsulation of the dye into the cut cone structure and enables laser emission from a selective dye forms.•Independent random lasing signal from two different forms of the cyanine dyes was observed.•Selected cyanine derivatives maintain centrosymmetric structure, for different forms of dye.