Modular approach to obtaining organic glasses from low-molecular weight dyes using 1,1,1-triphenylpentane auxiliary groups: Nonlinear optical properties

• The use of a 1,1,1-triphenylpentane auxiliary group allows to obtain molecular glasses from low-molecular weight dyes.
• The glass transition temperatures of the materials were in the range of 73–108 °C.
• Non-linear optical activity in thin amorphous films was measured after an external electrical field poling procedure.
• With the increase of chromophore polarity partial π–π stacking of molecules was observed in the solid phase.

A new modular synthetic approach to obtain organic glasses from low-molecular weight azobenzenes and stilbenes has been accomplished using 1,1,1-triphenylpentane crystallization preventing auxiliary groups. Six new structures show excellent solubility in non-polar solvents and thin films with good optical qualities have been obtained using a spin-coating technique. The glass transition temperatures of the new amorphous materials were in the range of 73–108 °C. The nonlinear optical activity in thin amorphous films was measured after a corona poling procedure.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide