Phase disruption as a new design paradigm for optimizing the nonlinear-optical response

TL;DR

This paper introduces phase disruption as a novel design principle to significantly enhance the nonlinear optical response of quasi-one-dimensional structures like polymers and nanowires, without needing charge donor-acceptor groups.

Contribution

It proposes phase disruption as a new general strategy for optimizing nonlinear optical properties in quasi-1D quantum systems, expanding beyond traditional end-group modifications.

Findings

Phase disruption dramatically enhances intrinsic optical nonlinearities.

The principle applies broadly to molecules, nanowires, and quasi-1D systems.

No need for charge donor-acceptor end groups.

Abstract

The intrinsic optical nonlinearities of quasi-one dimensional structures, including conjugated chain polymers and nanowires, are shown to be dramatically enhanced by the judicious placement of a side group or wire of sufficiently short length to create a large phase disruption in the dominant eigenfunctions along the main path of probability current. Phase disruption is proposed as a new general principle for the design of molecules, nanowires and any quasi-1D quantum system with large intrinsic response and does not require charge donors-acceptors at the ends.