Potential sensitive dyes: nonlinear optical properties and solvatochromism

The molecular first hyperpolarizability β of di-2-ANEPEQ and di-8-ANEPPS have been measured using hyper-Rayleigh scattering. Because of the strong fluorescence produced by the ANEP dyes, time correlated single photon counting Hyper-Rayleigh scattering measurements and spectral decomposition have been used to obtain accurate β values that correct for the competing fluorescent signal. The molecular hyperpolarizability β is measured for various wavelengths and compared with a two level model. Solvent effects have also been measured; the experimental results are consistent with a two valence bond state model.