Thermally Stable Molecules with Large Dipole Moments and Polarizabilities and Applications Thereof

Disclosed are fused ring bridge, ring-locked dyes that form thermally stable photorefractive compositions. The fused ring bridge structures are x-conjugated bonds in benzene-, naphthaleneor anthracene-derived fused ring systems that connect donor and acceptor groups. The donor and acceptor groups contribute to a high molecular dipole moment and linear polarizability anisotropy. The polarization characteristics of the dye molecules are stabilized since the bonds in the fused ring bridge are not susceptible to rotation, reducing the opportunity for photoisomerization. The dyes are compatible with polymeric compositions, including thermoplastics. The dyes are electrically neutral but have charge transport, electronic and orientational properties such that upon illumination of a composition containing the dye, the dve facilitates refractive index modulation and a ahotore4,999,809 A 311991 Schildkraut et al. ........ 3651106 5,064,264 A 1111991 Ducharme et al. .......... 3851130