Design, synthesis, growth and characterization of 4-methoxy-4′-dimethylamino-benzylidene aniline (MDMABA): A novel third order nonlinear optical material

Synthesis, growth, X-ray crystal structure and characterization of a novel third order nonlinear optical material, 4-methoxy-4'-dimethylamino-benzylidene aniline (MDMABA), are reported for the first time. The asymmetric unit of MDMABA compound contains two crystallographically independent molecules (A and B), and they exist in the E-configuration. The structural perfection of the grown crystal is analyzed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction rocking curve analysis. The functional groups present in MDMABA are investigated by FTIR and FT-Raman spectral analyses. The placement of the protons is determined using HNMR spectrum. The range and percentage of optical transmission were ascertained by recording UV-vis-NIR spectrum. Thermal and mechanical properties are reported. Dielectric study shows that the dielectric constant of the crystal varies with frequency and temperature. The third order nonlinear optical absorption coefficient of the MDMABA crystal is determined by the Z-scan technique. (c) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.