LINEAR ELECTROOPTIC DISPERSION IN (-)-2-(ALPHA-METHYLBENZYLAMINO)-5-NITROPYRIDINE SINGLE-CRYSTALS

The variation of the linear electro-optic effect in (-)-2-(alpha-methy lbenzylamino)-5-nitropyridine with the wavelength of the incident ligh t at room temperature has been measured. The reduced half-wave voltage s have been found to have the values 2.1, 2.8, and 6.0 kV at 488, 514. 5, and 632.8 nm respectively and the corresponding values of the linea r electro-optic coefficient have been evaluated.;The interpretation of the results in terms of the structures of the molecule and the crysta l is discussed. The thermal variation of the birefringence has also be en investigated and the coefficient for the temperature variation of t he refractive index difference is found to have the value (d Delta n/d T)=9.3X10(-5) K-1.