Novel calixarenes in thin films for efficient second harmonic generation

Abstract

Calix[4]arenes are a novel type of molecules for nonlinear optics. In a single molecule four π‐conjugated systems are combined. Corona poled guest‐host polymer systems [calix[4]arenes‐poly(methyl‐methacrylate)] with transparency into the UV and loading up to 100% show a high degree of orientation. The maximum resonant d₃₃ nonlinear coefficient measured at a fundamental wavelength of 590 nm is 51 pm/V. The d₃₃ values of the thin films relax after poling to 65% of their maximum value. Results indicate self‐organization of the molecules upon poling.