A new class of silicon compounds with interesting nonlinear optical effects

Abstract

The synthesis and characterization of a new class of silicon compounds with high transparency and nonlinear optical properties have been carried out. In this study, the authors have examined a new class of silicon compounds. Their interest in silicon compounds that are active in nonlinear optics is guided by the following features: increased polarizability of a silicon backbone compared to that of carbon, {sigma}-{pi} interaction ({sigma}(Si)-{pi}(C)), and {sigma}-delocalization over the Si-Si bonds. In order to obtain good NLO properties, donor and acceptor groups were grafted onto both sides of a polysilane. They have significantly improved the optical first-order hyperpolarizability {beta} of organosilicon compounds by increasing the number of Si atoms separating the acceptor and donor groups. This improvement is due to the delocalization of {sigma} electrons along the silicon-silicon backbone. The work done currently concerns the studies of the CT behavior in donor/acceptor substituted silanes and their efficiency in NLO. The results of this investigation will soon be published in a subsequent paper.