Novel, highly polarizable thiophene derivatives for use in nonlinear optical applications

Abstract

The synthesis of a variety of thiophene-containing materials for use in electro-optic devices requiring highly birefringent materials is reported. The refractive indices were measured with the use of an Abbé refractometer, and from these results the optical anisotropies, polarizabilities and order parameters were determined. The replacement of a phenyl ring by thiophene leads to large enhancements of polarizability. The most significant increases in polarizability anisotropy were observed when the rigid core was a collinear 5,5′-disubstituted-2,2′-dithienyl unit. The changes in the optical properties are discussed in terms of the structural units (thiophene, phenyl, isothiocyanate, nitrile, butylsulfanyl, alkoxy and alkyl moieties) used and their positions with respect to the molecular core.

Notes

Present address: Department of Chemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OHIO 44242-0001, USA, e-mail: [email protected]

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Alexander J. Seed

Present address: Department of Chemistry, Kent State University, Kent, OHIO 44242-0001, USA, e-mail: [email protected]