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Low-power phase conjugation in push-pull azobenzene compounds
Optics Letters
|October 29, 2009
Summary
Push-pull azobenzene compounds exhibit significant third-order optical nonlinearity. These polymers show potential for applications in nonlinear optics due to their high chi((3)) values.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optics and Photonics
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Push-pull azobenzene compounds are known for their photoresponsive properties.
- Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a versatile polymer matrix for optical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel push-pull azobenzene compounds.
- To investigate the third-order optical nonlinearity of azobenzene-doped PMMA films.
Main Methods:
- Diazocoupling reaction for azobenzene synthesis.
- Fabrication of polymer films doped with synthesized compounds.
- Low-power phase conjugation measurements using a He-Ne laser (632.8 nm).
Main Results:
- Successful synthesis of push-pull azobenzene compounds.
- Azobenzene-doped PMMA films demonstrated appreciable third-order optical nonlinearity.
- Measured third-order nonlinear susceptibility (chi((3))) of approximately 10(-4) esu in the absorption tail.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized azobenzene compounds are suitable for creating nonlinear optical materials.
- PMMA-based composites exhibit promising nonlinear optical properties.
- These materials hold potential for applications in optical devices requiring third-order nonlinearity.
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