Synthetic steps toward the design of a new class of nonlinear optical materials

Light is an abundant energy resource with many unrealized potential applications. Nonlinear optical materials (NLO's) are fundamental tools for the manipulation of light due to their unique interactions with electromagnetic fields. Advances in the frequency doubling property of these materials may, for example, lead to devices that allow faster dissemination and increased volume of information through telecommunication systems. To create a new class of nonlinear optical materials, synthetic methods strategies were employed to support two aromatic rings at nearly 90° angles on a p-bis(1-hydroxyl-1-methylethyl)benzene molecule. The hydroxyl groups on the benzenoid are chlorinated to facilitate intramolecular ring formations. The previously calculated first order nonlinear optical response value (β) for this material exponentially surpasses what has been reported in the literature for previous NLO systems. Results of our investigation will be reported in detail. The design and construction of this nonlinear optical material promises to enhance today's rapidly progressing technological industry.