Vibrational mode contributions to molecular third order polarizabilities

Abstract
Third order polarizabilities for fluorinated methanes and sulphur hexafluoride, derived from three non-linear optical processes are compared. Significant differences beyond those estimated for dispersion are ascribed to vibrational effects. Estimates of the vibrational mode contributions using spectroscopic data, while crude, are consistent with the experimental values. It is concluded that vibrational contributions to third order polarizabilities are significant in specific cases.