Third order nonlinearity in organometallic polyalkynes

Polymeric materials made of polyalkynes [-C=C-](n) have long been known to exhibit delocalized ir-electron systems. However, these materials normally are insoluble and hence of little practical use as nonlinear optical materials. We have prepared a series of polyalkynes which incorporate side chains, typically attached to a metal atom such as Pt. causing-the polymer to be readily soluble. The rigid-rod geometry of ordinary polyalkynes is preserved in this arrangement due to the square planar coordination of the metal atom. The thermal stability (decomposition temperature and T-g) measurements and the third-order nonlinear susceptibilities determined at 1064 nm are presented.