By using convergent approach poly(aryl ether) dendritic structures carrying a donor (4-methyl-7-hydroxycoumarin) on the surface and an acceptor (3-cyano-7-hydroxycoumarin) at the focal point with G0, G1 and G2 generation number were synthesized. The photophysical properties of the series of poly(aryl ether) dendrimers have been determined, and the effect of the generation number on the absorption and emission properties of the synthesized dendritic structures was investigated. As the chromophore group number on the surface of the dendritic structure increased, molar absorptivity coefficients and emission intensities of the structures 1-6 were found to increase. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.