In solution, the soluble poly(thienyleneethynylene)s (PTEs) all show obvious optical limiting effect. The thin composite plate of PTE-3 in polystyrene (PS) shows stronger optical limiting response than its solution sample and C-60 solution at the same linear transmittance 76%. Even with 86% linear transmittance, the thin plate still shows pretty good optical limiting effect which is better than that of C-60. All the interesting results may be attributed to strap-like structure of PTE-3 formed in PS matrix. So it can be anticipated that the PTEs may be one of the most potential materials to develop practical application for optical limiting. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.