Non-linear optical studies of polysilanes

Abstract

We have measured third-order nonlinear susceptibilities χ(3) for a variety of polysilanes with different side-groups, and for composites of polysilanes and metals. The value of χ(3) varies substantially with changes in the side-groups, backbone conformation, film thickness, orientation, and volume fraction and size of metal particles. We have also prepared thin films of high optical quality, which have been used to study material properties and material response for waveguiding studies.