Photochemical stability of highly nonlinear optical bithiophene chromophores

The photochemical stability of highly nonlinear optical bithiophene chromop hores is investigated. Experiments in guest-host systems were performed in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA,) hosts for several differently modified bithi ophenes and compared to Disperse Red 1 (DR1). The photochemical stability a t visible wavelengths indicates that these chromophores are excellent candi dates for electro-optic applications. Furthermore, one of the bithiophene c hromophores was also investigated in the infrared region up to telecommunic ation wavelengths. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.