NONLINEAR-OPTICAL EFFECTS IN MOLECULES AND POLYMERS - ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES

The field of nonlinear optics in molecules and polymers offers challen ging opportunities for theorists on both molecular modeling of new str uctures with enhanced microscopic response and manifestations of bulk effect in nonlinearity. This article presents an experimental point of view in assessing the current status of various theoretical approache s. Experimental results are presented for two model compounds together with predictions by various theoretical models to discuss issues and future opportunities. Three different types of nonlinear optical proce sses are discussed: (i) second order, (ii) third order, and (iii) phot orefractivity. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.