Kanazawa A, Ikeda T, Abe J
Research Laboratory of Resources Utilization Tokyo Institute of Technology 4259 Nagatsuta, Midori-ku, Yokohama 226-8503 (Japan).
Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2000 Feb;39(3):612-615. doi: 10.1002/(sici)1521-3773(20000204)39:3<612::aid-anie612>3.0.co;2-f.
Nonlinear optical properties are shown by the smectic phase formed by simple dialkyl phosphonium salts. The molecules form into layers, featuring ion pairs separated by insulating glassy alkyl coating to produce a spontaneous polarization (P(s)) in the sheets (see picture). Applications of this material are currently leading to the development of novel electrical and electrooptical devices.