29.10.2021 Nonlinear optical materials through weak interactions and 3D printing (Kukkonen)

Nonlinear optical (NLO) materials are able to change the properties of incident light and therefore have a variety of applications in e.g. laser technology and optoelectronics. In his doctoral thesis, Esa Kukkonen searched for ways to synthesize new efficient NLO materials as well as developed a novel 3D printing-based method for utilizing optically active materials.
Published
29.10.2021

The challenge of molecular arrangement

The thesis focused on so-called second order nonlinear optical phenomena which require that the material has no centre of symmetry in the crystal level. As the formation of the centre of symmetry is more common than the lack of it, reliable ways of guiding the arrangement of molecules were investigated. Weak interactions, such as halogen bonding and pi-pi interactions, were studied for this role. Despite being much weaker than the covalent bonds that keep the molecules together, weak interactions have the ability to affect the molecules’ three-dimensional arrangement in the material.

Novel applications via 3D printing

Growing large crystals of sufficient quality, as well as shaping them for applications, is often challenging especially for organic NLO materials. A novel stereolithographic 3D printing method developed in the thesis enables the use of the optically active materials as small crystals and offers an extended possibility of using organic materials as functional components in optical applications.

The dissertation is published in JYU Dissertations series, number 441. ISBN 978-951-39-8884-5 (PDF) URN:ISBN: 978-951-39-8884-5 ISSN 2489-9003.
Link to publication:

M.Sc Esa Kukkonen defends his dissertation “Nonlinear optical materials through weak interactions and their application in 3D printing” on Friday 29th of October at 12:00 at the Ģֱ in auditorium YAA303. The opponent is Professor Evamarie Hey-Hawkins from Leipzig University, Germany and custos is Adjunct Professor Jari Konu from Ģֱ. The doctoral dissertation is held in English.

The audience can follow the dissertation in the lecture hall or online.

Link to the Zoom Webinar event (Zoom application or Google Chrome web browser recommended): 

Phone number to which the audience can present possible additional questions at the end of the event (to the custos): +358 40 8054406