Theoretical Perspective on Two-State "ON-OFF" NLO Switch of Rh(III)-Azobenzene Complex with Considerable First Hyperpolarizability.

Abstract

In this paper, a light-induced Rh(III)-azobenzene (azo) complex in its two conformations (cis- and trans-form) is analyzed via density functional theory methods, focusing on the geometrical and electronic structure, linear and second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, as well as UV-vis absorption spectra. The results show that trans-Rh exhibits more obvious charge separation and more extensive π-conjugation than cis-Rh. The energy gaps (Egap) between the highest occupied molecular orbital and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital of cis-Rh and trans-Rh are as small as 0.28 and 0.36 eV, respectively. The unusual small Egap facilitates electronic transition and accompanies large NLO responses. In particular, cis-Rh and trans-Rh possess considerably large second-order NLO responses with the first hyperpolarizability (βtot) up to 7.0 × 104 a.u. ("OFF" state) and 8.5 × 104 a.u. ("ON" state), respectively. trans-Rh shows good π-conjugation and obvious electric delocalization relative to cis-Rh and thus a considerable βtot value. The switchable ratio of βtot (trans-Rh)/βtot (cis-Rh) is equal to 1.2, showing switch characteristics. UV-vis analyses indicate that the ON and OFF states can finely tune the absorption range due to the strongest absorption peaks of cis-Rh (301 nm) and trans-Rh (446 nm) lying in the UV and vis region, respectively. It is expected that the studied Rh(III)-azo complexes may be applied in the field of optoelectronics.