A Novel Method for Fixing the Anisotropic Orientation of Dispersed Organic Nanocrystals in a Magnetic Field

Abstract

Fixing of the anisotropic orientation of DAST nanocrystals , trans ‐4‐[4‐(dimethylamino)]stilbazolium p ‐toluenesulfonate, a well‐known organic second‐order nonlinear optical material, is described. The DAST nanocrystals were oriented in an acrylate monomer by an applied magnetic field and then immobilized by UV‐curing. The optical anisotropy of the absorption and refractive index of the obtained solid—which is odorless, transparent, heat resistant, insoluble, and soft, like rubber—is shown to be easily controlled by the magnetic field. See also front cover.