Twisted π-Electron System Chromophores with Very Large Molecular Hyperpolarizabilities (25019)

A series of unconventional twisted π-electron system electro-optic (EO) chromophores with ultra-large first hyperpolarizabilities have been created by Northwestern University scientists. These compounds have great potential in optoelectronic and photonic technologies such as high-speed optical communications, integrated optics and optical data processes and storage.

ADVANTAGE: Organic molecular chromophores exhibiting the largest known electric field-induced second harmonic generation (EFISH) nonresonance μβvec values were created. A direct synthetic route to these novel molecules was developed. The materials promise exceptional performance in a broad range of optoelectronic and photonic applications.

SUMMARY: Molecule-based electro-optic (EO) materials are of great interest for optoelectronic and photonic applications. EO response is governed by the second-order susceptibility tensor, which in turn is determined by contributions from both the net polar order and microscopic molecular first hyperpolarizability tensor (β). Synthetic efforts to maximize β have generally employed conjugated π donor-acceptor (D/A) end-capped systems of increasing complexity. This research employing a new structural model affords materials with significantly greater β in a direct synthetic scheme. Zwitterionic twisted π-electron systems joining D/A substituents were prepared having tunable hyperpolarizability and linear optical energy. Representative members of this series of compounds exhibit high thermal stability (Td >300°C), zwitterionic ground states and extraordinary molecular hyperpolarizabilities properties. Thus, fundamental radiation at 1907 nm in CH2Cl2 (~10-6 M) gave -24,000 x 10-48 esu and –466,000 x 10-48 esu electric field-induced second harmonic generation nonresonance μβvec values for two members of this series. Estimates indicate even greater μβvec values at lower concentrations. These unusually large values portend significant performance enhancements in optoelectronic and photonic devices utilizing molecular hyperpolarizability. The synthetic scheme employed provides wide molecular variation and property modification.

Inventor(s): Tobin Marks and Hu Kang

Type of Offer: Licensing



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