The effects of molecular aggregation and isomerization on the fluorescence of 'push-pull' hyperpolarizable chromophores

摘要

Hyperpolarizable organic molecules are attracting interest for use in nonlinear optical devices. Some zwitterionic merocyanine chromophores with exceptionally high first hyperpolarizabilities have been synthesized that possess an electron donor moiety coupled to an electron acceptor through a conjugated double bond system. Aligned arrays of these molecules tethered to a polyurethane backbone and spun onto a substrate to form a thin film, respond to the application of external electric fields with changes to their refractive indices, i.e. the electro-optic effect. This behavior can be capitalized upon to fabricate optical switches and modulators.