Steady electro-optic characteristics of noninteracting colloidal particles

In previous papers on the electro-optic effects of beta-FeOOH particles we proposed a new procedure for analysis of the low frequency behavior of charged particles. The procedure is based on comparison of characteristic field intensity curves on an appropriate scale and helps to test the dependence of the slow effects on particle surface electric polarizability (relaxing in the kilohertz domain). The results stimulated us to test the applicability of the method to other samples and to reconsider the literature data on the electro-optic behavior of charged colloids in the hydrodynamic domain. The aim of the present paper is to demonstrate on a series of samples similar features of the electro-optic responses of charged particles in the relaxation interval of particle rotation. The analysis leads to a new hypothesis for explanation of the complicated low frequency behavior of charged particles. The superposition of two slow effects (linear and quadratic with field intensity), relaxing in the relaxation interval of particle rotation, can explain the complicated frequency curves in this domain. One of the slow effects is observed for all polarizable particles. It is of negative sign and displays the features of an induced dipole effect dependent on the "kilohertz" induced moment. It corresponds to a slow stage of the surface polarization process related to electrokinetic charge. The linear slow effect shows permanent dipole like behavior and appears only at certain ionic content of the medium. It shows no direct dependence on counterion mobility and on the "kilohertz" induced moment and is probably due to surface charge nonuniformity.     

Influence of Electro-Acoustic Effects on the Electro-Optic Response of Charged Colloids

Low-frequencyanomalous electro-optic behavior of colloidal systems (sign reversal and deviations from Kerr low) is considered in the light of electrically induced acoustic modes. The latter were recently detected and investigated in samples of isotropic spherical particles. Their linear dependence on field intensity explains the low-field “permanent dipole” behavior of charged colloids. The coupling of anisotropy and density fluctuations results in the complicated frequency curves of the electro-optic responses of anisometric particles.     

Macroscopic order and electro-optic response of dipolar chromophore-polymer materials.

This Minireview considers the key factors that govern the organization of macroscopic polarization in nonlinear optical systems obtained by electric poling of organic dipolar chromophores dissolved in polymer matrices. The macroscopic electric polarization depends on the thermodynamic state of the dipole system. The dependence of the paraelectric and antiferroelectric states of dipolar chromophores on the chromophore concentration and the strength of the poling field is discussed. Phase transitions between the para- and antiferroelectric states are investigated within the limits of the Ising and isotropic models for the chromophore dipoles and are considered for varying chromophore concentration, poling field strength, and macroscopic shape of the sample used for poling. The macroscopic polarization and electro-optic coefficient of the material change drastically upon phase transition. The theories are compared with the experimental data on the electro-optic coefficient dependence on the chromophore concentration. The isotropic dipole model shows excellent agreement with experiment for the chromophore systems most commonly used in nonlinear optics.     

高分子电光材料在THz辐射源领域的研究进展

THz辐射以其独特的性质和广阔的应用前景正吸引着科学家们广泛的关注,选择综合性能优良的辐射源材料是THz科学技术发展的关键,高分子电光材料相对传统晶体具有许多无法比拟的优势,如电光系数高、相干长度大、无声子吸收带隙、设计灵活多样等,能获得响应强、频带宽、平坦连续的THz谱图,是一类极具研究价值的THz辐射源材料。本文在简要介绍THz辐射的基础上,综述了近年来高分子电光材料在THz辐射源领域的研究进展,对影响THz辐射信号的因素作了相应分析,并指出了目前存在的主要问题。     

Communication: The phoretic drift of a charged particle animated by a direct ionic current

A charged colloidal particle which is suspended in an electrolyte solution drifts due to an external voltage application. For direct currents, particle motion is affected by two separate mechanisms: electro-osmotic slip associated with the electric field and chemi-osmotic slip associated with the inherent salt concentration gradient in the solution. These two mechanisms are interrelated and are of comparable magnitude. Their combined effect is demonstrated for cation-exchange electrodes using a weak-current approximation. The linkage between the two mechanisms results in an effectively modified mobility, whose dependence on the particle zeta potential is nonlinear. At small potentials, the electro-osmotic mechanism dominates and the particle migrates according to the familiar Smoluchowski mobility, linear in the electric field. At large zeta potentials, chemiosmosis becomes dominant: for positively charged particles, it tends to arrest motion, leading to mobility saturation; for negatively charged particles, it enhances the drift, effectively leading to a shifted linear dependence of the mobility on the zeta potential, with twice the Smoluchowski slope.     

电晕极化电光聚合物调制器的制备研究

随着光通信的飞速发展,高速聚合物电光调制器的应用更加重要广泛.聚合物薄膜是制造聚合物电光调制器的基础.文中介绍与分析了聚合物电光调制器聚合物薄膜的电晕极化制备方法.     

Electro-optic characteristics of aqueous beta-FeOOH particles

This paper presents a detailed analysis of the electro-optic behavior of suspensions of noninteracting monodisperse beta-FeOOH particles. The electro-optic parameters are determined for aqueous suspensions of the oxide particles and the influences of surface charge and Debye layer thickness are verified. Since the conventional method of frequency analysis is inconsistent in the low-frequency range, new electro-optic parameters are introduced to define the frequency variation of the effects. Electric polarizability is determined with precision to a constant, and its relative variations are followed. As reported for other oxides, electric polarizability correlates with charge variations in the diffuse part of the particle surface electric layer, and its relaxation frequency increases with surface charge density, indicating a Maxwell-Wagner type of surface polarization. The alternating component of the responses yields particle relaxation frequency and the phase shift of the responses at this frequency. For all studied samples the phase shift at particle relaxation frequency is 45 degrees. The relative changes in the steady component of the responses in the low-frequency range are followed by field intensity curves at characteristic frequencies of the samples. Electrophoretic rotation is the process consistent with our data for the low-frequency effect. The results show that it is enhanced by the combined actions of low or slowly relaxing polarizability and significant electrophoretic mobility.     

枝化二阶非线性发色团分子的合成及在聚合物体系中的电光性能

设计合成了一类以2-二氰基次甲基-3-氰基-4,5,5-三甲基-2,5-二氢呋喃(TCF)为受体、己氧基取代噻吩为π电子桥的新型有机非线性光学化合物, 并利用紫外光谱、红外光谱、核磁共振以及质谱对化合物分子结构进行了鉴定, 同时对此类化合物在有机聚合物体系中的电光性能进行了表征和研究. 结果发现, 该类发色团分子与聚合物相容性好, 电光活性高, 并且随着发色团分子在聚合物体系中浓度的升高, 聚合物体系的宏观电光活性也有所提高, 甚至当发色团的掺杂质量分数高达47.2%时, 体系的电光活性仍呈上升趋势, 显示了该发色团的静电相互作用得到了明显抑制. 此时测得聚合物体系的电光系数为30 pm/V(1310 nm).     

On the thickness dependence of ferroelectric polarization in smectic C* liquid crystal cells

The thickness dependence of ferroelectric polarization in a SmC* liquid crystal exhibiting a large value of polarization has been investigated. It is observed that the saturation value of the polarization shows no significant thickness dependence. This observation is in accordance with a recent theoretical framework developed by Galerne. It is shown that the wall thickness, where the polarization undergoes a reversal, and hence the self-screening effect, is insignificant in the material studied.     

On the thickness dependence of ferroelectric polarization in smectic C* liquid crystal cells

The thickness dependence of ferroelectric polarization in a SmC* liquid crystal exhibiting a large value of polarization has been investigated. It is observed that the saturation value of the polarization shows no significant thickness dependence. This observation is in accordance with a recent theoretical framework developed by Galerne. It is shown that the wall thickness, where the polarization undergoes a reversal, and hence the self-screening effect, is insignificant in the material studied.     

Charged particles at fluid interfaces as a probe into structural details of a double layer

Electrostatic interactions between charged, distant colloids in a bulk electrolyte solution do not depend on the inherent structure of ions and a solvent forming a double layer. For charged colloids trapped at an interface between an electrolyte and air this no longer holds; as the electrostatic interactions are mediated via air and the field lines determining the interactions originate at the charged surface, these details come into prominence. Using the Langevin-Poisson-Boltzmann equation we investigate how steric effects and the polarization saturation of a solvent effect the contact potential at the colloid surface and, in consequence, the long range interactions between colloids trapped at an interface. For a surface charge 0.4 C m(-2) the combination of these effects can increase the interactions by up to ～40 times when compared to Poisson-Boltzmann calculations. The validity of these enhancement mechanisms is supported by recent experimental data (K. Masschaele et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 2010, 105, 048303).     

SYNTHESIS OF SIDE-CHAIN LIQUID CRYSTALLINE POLYSILOXANE CONTAINING SCHIFF′S BASE MESOGENS WITH NO2-END GROUP AND ITS BEHAVIOR IN A DC ELECTRIC FIELD

A side chain liquid crystalline copolysiloxane, which would show electro-optic effects as known from low mass liquid crystal, was synthesized by hydrosilylation reaction, and the two homologous monomers with different length spacers containing Schiff's base mesogen with—NO_2 terminated group were grafted toa polysiloxane main chain. Residual monomer in crude product is effective in reinforcing the response to an electric field over that of pure polymeric liquid crystal.     

Application of the electro-optic Kerr effect to investigation of the intermolecular H-bond

The intermolecular H-bond plays an important role in chemical and biological systems and processes. This review considers various aspects of the application of the electro-optic Kerr effect in the investigation of the intermolecular H-bond. Current approaches to the determination of structures of H-bonded molecular complexes are described. From the measurements of the electro-optic and molar Kerr constants of the complexes and their individual components these methods produce the basic parameters of the H-bonded complexes, including the complex formation equilibrium constant (K) and the H-bond dipole moment (μ_H). The importance of a new parameter, namely, the structural additive difference of the molar Kerr constants (ΔmK)_S is illustrated. The prospects of future progress in the studies of the intermolecular H-bond by the electro-optic methods are discussed.     

On the possibility of dielectric saturation in molecular systems

Using the model of dielectric continuum and Lorentz's field, we have demonstrated that the polarization of the first coordinated shell of the solvent molecules around a charged solute molecule is weakly saturated. The dielectric saturation effect has also been observed in the calculated result that the ratio between the equilibrium and non-equilibrium free energies considerably deviates from unity which is expected in the absence of dielectric saturation.     

Electro-optical investigations of the dipole moments of nanoparticles

In this paper, the electric properties of polar nanoparticles are examined. Special attention is paid to the terminology, classification and the physical bases of the different electric moments. A short history of the electro-optic studies of dipole moments of nanoparticles and the electro-optic Conferences is presented. The connection of the polar properties with the particle electric charge is considered. The potential of the colloid electro-optics for studying the properties of anisometric, anisotropic polar nanoparticles is discussed in details. Examples of such studies are presented. A comparative analysis is made of the potential of dielectric, electro-optic and dielectrophoretic measurements for studying the electric properties, size, shape and structure of polar nanoparticles.     

Electro-optic pulse response of ferroelectric liquid crystals

The electro-optic response of ferroelectric smectic C* liquid crystals has been studied. Anomalous switching behaviour of such materials which possess a negative dielectric anisotropy has been reported. These materials show a minimum in response time at a sufficiently high field. We present results showing the dependency of this minimum upon spontaneous polarisation and the effect of AC bias. Calculations based upon the equation of motion of the director around the cone are presented which describe this effect and its dependence on the relative magnitudes of the spontaneous polarization and dielectric anisotropy of the material. Good agreement with the experimental results is found.     

Theory-guided design and synthesis of multichromophore dendrimers: an analysis of the electro-optic effect

Extensive experimental and theoretical study suggests that interchromophore electrostatic interactions are among the most severe impediments to the induction and stability of large electro-optic coefficients in electric-field-poled organic materials. In this report, multichromophore-containing dendritic materials have been investigated as a means to minimize unwanted attenuation of nonlinear optical (electro-optic) activity at high chromophore loading. The dendritic molecular architectures employed were designed to provide optimized molecular scaffolding for electric-field-induced molecular reorientation. Design parameters were based upon past experimental results in conjunction with statistical and quantum mechanical modeling. The electro-optic behavior of these materials was evaluated through experimental and theoretical analysis. Experimental data collected from the dendrimer structures depict a reasonably linear relationship between chromophore number density (N) and electro-optic activity (r(33)) demonstrating a deviation from the dipolar frustration that typically limits r(33) in conventional chromophore/polymer composite materials. The observed linear dependence holds at higher chromophore densities than those that have been found to be practical in systems of organic NLO chromophores dispersed in polymer hosts. Theoretical analysis of these results using Monte Carlo modeling reproduces the experimentally observed trends confirming linear dependence of electro-optic activity on N in the dendrimer materials. These results provide new insight into the ordering behavior of EO dendrimers and demonstrate that the frequently observed asymptotic dependence of electro-optic activity on chromophore number density may be overcome through rational design.     

Electrokinetic actuation of an uncharged polarizable dielectric droplet in charged hydrogel medium

Electrokinetic transport of an uncharged nonconducting microsized liquid droplet in a charged hydrogel medium is studied. Dielectric polarization of the liquid drop under the action of an externally imposed electric field induces a non-homogeneous charge density at the droplet surface. The interactions of the induced surface charge of the droplet with the immobile charges of the hydrogel medium generates an electric force to the droplet, which actuates the drop through the charged hydrogel medium. A numerical study based on the first principle of electrokinetics is adopted. Dependence of the droplet velocity on its dielectric permittivity, bulk ionic concentration, and immobile charge density of the gel is analyzed. The surface conduction is significant in presence of charged gel, which creates a concentration polarization. The impact of the counterion saturation in the Debye layer due to the dielectric decrement of the medium is addressed. The modified Nernst–Planck equation for ion transport and the Poisson equation for the electric field is considered to take into account the dielectric polarization. A quadrupolar vortex around the uncharged droplet is observed when the gel medium is considered to be uncharged, which is similar to the induced charge electroosmosis around an uncharged dielectric colloid in free-solution. We find that the induced charge electrokinetic mechanism creates a strong recirculation of liquid within the droplet and the translational velocity of the droplet strongly depends on its size for the dielectric droplet embedded in a charged gel medium.     

Effect of external electric fields on membrane proteins: The bacteriorhodopsin

One of the possible mechanisms of the effect of external electric fields on biological systems is through their membrane proteins. At present, contradicting reports exist about the effect of external electric fields on the behaviour of the bacteriorhodopsin, the only protein molecule in the purple membrane fragments. Complex electro-optic studies (electric light scattering; electric dichroism and electric birefringence) and detailed investigations of the electric field strength dependence of the electro-optic effects on different fractions of purple membranes provide no evidence of alterations in the behaviour of bacteriorhodopsin. The effects observed are explained well by the orientations of the whole purple membrane fragments. The faster process detected in the electric light scattering decay curve could be attributed to changes in the form and/or the volume of purple membrane aggregates. The importance of these studies in understanding the dependence of the membrane properties on the variation of the transmembrane potential, which are essential for membrane pumping and channel behaviour, is discussed. Further possibilities of the application of the methods described in the study of other membrane proteins and other membrane problems are also discussed.     

Non-invasive single bunch monitoring for ps pulse radiolysis

A single-shot electro-optic (EO) diagnostic has been installed on the ELYSE photocathode RF gun accelerator to monitor the electron bunch at the place and under the conditions of the ps pulse radiolysis experiments. The EO signal is due to the coulombic field of the electron bunch and to a contribution of a free-space THz radiation generated by the same electron pulse. This signal is recorded shot-to-shot at the repetition rate of the accelerator. The jitter of the arrival time of the electron bunch is characterized for the first time with a non-invasive method and is confirmed to be around 1 ps.