Theoretical Design of Organic Molecules and Polymers for Optoelectronics

Abstract

Materials which exhibit high nonlinear responses are currently subject of large research activities. The interest in organics [1–5] not only lies in their enhanced NLO responses over a wide frequency range and ultrafast response times, but also in the inherent adaptability of their molecular structures, the possibility of film forming and processing, and higher laser damage thresholds. In particular, conjugated oligomer and polymer chains are currently considered as very promising for devices based on third-order nonlinear effects. To be useful as materials, these compounds must combine, in addition to high electric susceptibilities, other properties such as proper organisation at the molecular level with possible symmetry constraints, chemical stability, etc. Moreover it is expected that the compounds used to form materials will depend on the particular application and therefore it is likely that there will be a continuous need for designing new molecules for optoelectronics.