J-aggregates granting second order NLO responses in self-assembled hybrid inorganic-organic materials

Huge second harmonic generation (SHG) activity is displayed by the new hybrid inorganic-organic material [DAMS*][Cu5I6]. Ab-initio XRPD structure determination explains this through the presence of cationic guest J-aggregates between Cu-defective anionic host CuI slabs. Thermal stability and thin-film suitability make the material technologically interesting.