Linear and nonlinear optical properties of organic crystals: MBANP and its derivatives

Abstract

In addition to possessing strong optical nonlinearity, the (-)-2-(α-methylbenzylamino)-5-nitropyridine (MBANP) crystal has been shown to have unusual linear optical properties. Two methyl derivatives of MBANP have now been synthesized and grown as large single crystals; their refractive indices have been measured as a function of frequency and second-harmonic generation, including the determination of the phase matching loci has been investigated. Data is also available on the racemic form of crystalline MBANP. The properties of this family of crystals have been reviewed and an attempt is made to relate the experimental responses of the crystals to their molecular structure and the calculated properties of the molecules.