Koen Clays

Second-order Nonlinear Optical Characterization Techniques : An Introduction

General Aspects of Second-Order Nonlinear Optics Linear optical phenomena Nonlinear optical phenomena Examples of nonlinear optical phenomena Symmetries in second-order nonlinear optics Second-order polarizabilities and susceptibilities Beyond the electric-dipole approximation Determination of Molecular Symmetry with Hyper-Rayleigh Scattering Hyper-Rayleigh scattering: general principles Experimental techniques and equipment Determination of molecular symmetries Switching the first hyperpolarizability at the molecular level Probing aggregation and supramolecular structure in solution Characterization of Interfaces, Surfaces, and Thin Films Second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency generation from surfaces: general principles Experimental techniques and equipment Probing the symmetry of interfaces, surfaces, and thin films Molecular orientation at surfaces Surface adsorption and surface reactions Characterization of Surface Chirality by Second-Harmonic Generation and Sum-Frequency Generation Chirality and second-order nonlinear optics: general principles Experimental procedures Second-harmonic generation in nanostructures Applications to biological systems Molecular origin Relation with the Faraday effect Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Imaging Techniques General principles Experimental techniques and equipment Applications Appendix Index References appear at the end of each chapter.

Sum-Rules: Applications to Nonlinear Optics at the Molecular Level

We use the Thomas Khun sum-rules to characterize the nonlinear efficiency of organic molecules, investigate new optimization strategies and interpret experimental results with the aim of simplifying the study of molecular nonlinear optics.

In situ Switching of the Second-Order Nonlinear Optical Response at the Molecular Level

We report on combined electrochemical and (non)linear optical experiments. The electrochemical experiments are conducted in solution and in situ monitored by hyper-Rayleigh-scattering. Also thin-films showed to be electrochemically-altered and in situ probed by second-harmonic generation.

Using Numerical Optimization Techniques and Conjugation Modulation to Design the Ultimate Nonlinear-Optical Molecule

Guided by numerical calculations and sum rules, we made and characterized molecules with varying degrees of modulated conjugation between donor and acceptor ends. Hyper-Rayleigh scattering measurements of the best molecule show a record intrinsic hyperpolarizability.