Nonlinear Optical Properties of Hierarchical Systems

Abstract

AbstractNonlinear optical processes provide many of the functions needed for Photonics Technology. Molecular materials are hierarchical systems in which the structure can be controlled from the angstrom level to macroscopic scale to optimize the nonlinear optical properties. In this article basic concepts of nonlinear optics and photonics are reviewed. Multifunctional molecular hierarchical systems are discussed which involves heterostructure design at molecular and bulk levels. For optimization of nonlinear response at the molecular level, guidance from theoretical modeling and study of sequentially built and systematically derivatized structures has proven to be useful. The use of Langmuir-Blodgett film approach to control the order and conformation with monolayer resolution is discussed. Examples of our approach to optimize the response at the bulk level involve the use of orientation control by electric field poling and use of composite heterostructures. An important advancement in heterostructure design is the use of sol-gel processing to make organic-inorganic composites which have successfully exhibited electro-optic modulation and femtosecond Kerr gate operations. Finally, novel photorefractive molecular materials are discussed.