THE LINEAR OPTICAL-PROPERTIES OF THE ORGANIC MOLECULAR-CRYSTAL (+)2-(ALPHA-METHYLBENZYL-AMINO)-5-NITROPYRIDINE (MBA-NP)

The linear optical properties of the organic molecular crystal (+)2-(alpha-methylbenzylamino)-5-nitropyridine (MBA-NP) are investigated. The specific rotation associated with this chiral molecule has been determined as +239.11-degrees. The effective transparency range for nonlinear optical applications was found to be 465-1500 nm, with a 10 nm dichroism in the high frequency absorption edge position. MBA-NP displays angular dispersion to a larger extent than any other known organic nonlinear material, a 200 nm change in the wavelength of the incident light causing a 40-degrees rotation of the dielectric axes. The linear refractive indices of MBA-NP have been determined using the minimum deviation technique, Maker fringe spacings and phase-matching directions. The principal refractive index dispersion curves are fitted with a Sellmeier equation and the coefficients of this equation are presented for the first time.