An optical filter includes an absorption layer containing a near-infrared absorbing dye with an absorption characteristic in dichloromethane satisfying (i-1) to (i-3). (i-1) In an absorption spectrum of a wavelength of 400 to 800 nm, there is a maximum absorption wavelength .sub.max in 670 to 730 nm. (i-2) Between a maximum absorption coefficient .sub.A of light with a wavelength of 430 to 550 nm and a maximum absorption coefficient .sub.B of light with a wavelength of 670 to 730 nm, the following relational expression: .sub.B/.sub.A65 is established. (i-3) In a spectral transmittance curve, the difference between a wavelength .sub.80 with which the transmittance becomes 80% on a shorter wavelength side than the maximum absorption wavelength with the transmittance at the maximum absorption wavelength .sub.max set to 10% and the maximum absorption wavelength .sub.max is 65 nm or less.

Novel red methine dyes, methods for the preparation thereof, and use thereof for dyeing plastics, especially vinyl polymers, provide red colourings with improved colour strengths and improved colour brilliance.

The present application discloses stilbene derivative compounds and phenylbenzofuran compositions, useful in the manufacture of dye-sensitized solar cells and other similar technology.

An organic dye corresponding to one of the following structures (I) or (II): eD-pi-conjugated chromophore-L-A (I), or A-L-pi-conjugated chromophore-eD (II), where eD represents an electron donor segment, L represents a covalent bond or a spacer segment and in particular a pi-conjugated spacer segment, A represents an electron acceptor segment capable of forming a covalent bond with a semiconductor, in which the pi-conjugated chromophore comprises at least one unit of formula (III):

##STR00001##

in which the radicals R1 and R2, which are identical or different, represent an optionally substituted aryl group; the radicals R3 to R8, which are identical or different, represent a hydrogen, an optionally substituted alkyl group or an optionally substituted aryl group; and X1 and X2, which are identical or different, are chosen from S, Se and O.

Fluorescent chromophores nicknamed BOPHY are provided. The chromophores may be readily synthesized in two steps from readily available reagents via the coupling of a pyrrole aldehyde or ketone with hydrazine, followed by reaction with BF.sub.3. The resultant symmetric and dimeric tetracycle is comprised of two BF.sub.2 units in six-member chelate rings, appended by pyrrole units on the periphery. The quantum yield of fluorescence for the unmodified compound and the tetramethyl variant are near unity, with values 95 and 92% respectively in CH.sub.2Cl.sub.2.

The present invention relates to novel methine dyes, methods for the preparation thereof and use thereof for dyeing plastics, especially polyamides, so as to obtain yellow colorings with improved light fastness and improved thermostability.

The present invention relates to novel methine dyes, methods for the preparation thereof and use thereof for dyeing plastics, especially polyamides, so as to obtain yellow to orange colourings with improved light fastness and improved thermal stability.

The present invention relates to novel methine dyes, methods for the preparation thereof and use thereof for dyeing plastics, especially polyamides, so as to obtain yellow to orange colourings with improved light fastness and improved thermal stability.

The present invention relates to novel methine dyes, methods for the preparation thereof and use thereof for dyeing plastics, especially polyamides, so as to obtain yellow to orange colourings with improved light fastness and improved thermal stability.

The present disclosure provides a compound of Formula (I), (II), or (III):

##STR00001##

an ionic derivative thereof, an isomer thereof, or a salt thereof. The present disclosure also provides conjugates of the compounds, and methods of using the compounds and the conjugates. The disclosure also provides the use of the compounds and conjugates in methods of sequencing nucleic acids.