Abstract
Nonlinear optics (NLO) is widely used in applications such as electro-optic modulation for optical data communication and wavelength conversion of lasers which can in particular be used for second-harmonic imaging of biological tissues, e.g. for early diagnosis of cancer. Conjugated push-pull organic molecules are promising candidates for NLO applications since their mobile electrons and strong asymmetry create a large second-order nonlinear response. Filling single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with elongated dipolar molecules leads to the creation of aligned one-dimensional (1D) structures referred to as nanohybrids, which results in an enhancement of any directional property such as the dipole moment and the nonlinear optical response. In this project, such organic molecules and nanohybrids are characterized and implemented in optical fibers for second harmonic generation, that will ultimately enable the realization of in vivo forward seeded second-harmonic generation microscopy with a dramatically improved detection efficiency.
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