THE LINEAR OPTICAL-PROPERTIES OF THE ORGANIC MOLECULAR-CRYSTAL (-(ALPHA-METHYLBENZYL-AMINO)-5-NITROPYRIDINE (MBA-NP)()2)

The linear optical properties of the organic molecular crystal (+)2-(a lpha-methylbenzylamino)-5-nitropyridine (MBA-NP) are investigated. The specific rotation associated with this chiral molecule has been deter mined as +239.11-degrees. The effective transparency range for nonline ar optical applications was found to be 465-1500 nm, with a 10 nm dich roism in the high frequency absorption edge position. MBA-NP displays angular dispersion to a larger extent than any other known organic non linear material, a 200 nm change in the wavelength of the incident lig ht causing a 40-degrees rotation of the dielectric axes. The linear re fractive indices of MBA-NP have been determined using the minimum devi ation technique, Maker fringe spacings and phase-matching directions. The principal refractive index dispersion curves are fitted with a Sel lmeier equation and the coefficients of this equation are presented fo r the first time.