Linear and Second Order Nonlinear Optical Properties of Novel Photochromic Materials

We report on a new unique photochromic material which is based on a reversible formation - cleavage of a C-C bond. The bicyclic bindon derivative, 2 undergoes a photochemical and/or thermally induced ring opening to form the isomer 3. The form 3 presents a conjugated donor-acceptor system and exhibits a considerable second-order optical nonlinearity as found by the field induced SHG measurements. The photochromic conversion is also observed in the crystalline form indicated visually by a crystal red-to-green color change. We have studied the reversible ring opening - closure process in liquid and polymeric solutions. Optical and thermal switching and the NLO efficiency of these guest- host polymer are reported.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.