In-situ Synthesis and Poling of DEMI a Zwitterionic NLO Chromophore
Marek Szablewski, Julia H. Robson, Tom Newberry and Graham H. Cross
The conversion of the complex salt of TCNQ and triethylamine; TEA(TCNQ)2 into the zwitterionic NLO chromophore DEMI can be achieved in a polymeric guest host system by the action of heat. Synthesis and alignment of the chromophore in a thin polymer film can be monitored by observation of the SHG in an in-situ poling experiment. We discuss the characterization of the conversion process, which could potentially lead to the “writing” of very small areas of nonlinearly active material into other-wise inactive polymer films.