Linear and non-linear optical properties of some donor–acceptor oxadiazoles by ab initio Hartree-Fock calculations

Abstract

The molecular hyperpolarizability of some donor–acceptor oxadiazoles was investigated using ab initio methods. Ab initio optimizations were performed at the Hartree-Fock level using different basis sets, starting with the minimal basis set, and then split valence sets. The first hyperpolarizabilities were calculated at the Hartree-Fock level employing the corresponding basis sets using Gaussian 98W. In general, the first hyperpolarizability is dependent on the choice of method and basis set. In order to understand this phenomenon in the context of molecular orbital picture, we examined the molecular HOMOs and molecular LUMOs generated via HF/6-31G level. It has also been calculated the polarizability, anisotropy of polarizability and ground state dipole moment of all the molecules. Several of these oxadiazoles display significant second-order molecular nonlinearity, β(8.57–195.05 × 10⁻³⁰ esu) and provide the basis for future design of efficient nonlinear optical materials having the oxadiazole core.