title: Solvent effects on the resonance Raman and hyper-Raman spectra and first hyperpolarizability of N,N-dipropyl-p-nitroaniline.
abstract: Linear absorption spectra, resonance Raman spectra and excitation profiles, and two-photon-resonant hyper-Rayleigh and hyper-Raman scattering hyperpolarizability profiles are reported for the push-pull chromophore N,N-dipropyl-p-nitroaniline in seven solvents spanning a wide range of polarities. The absorption spectral maximum red shifts by about 2700 cm(-1), and the symmetric -NO2 stretch shifts to lower frequencies by about 11 cm(-1) from hexane to acetonitrile, indicative of significant solvent effects on both the ground and excited electronic states. The intensity patterns in the resonance Raman and hyper-Raman spectra are similar and show only a small solvent dependence except in acetonitrile, where both the Raman and hyper-Raman intensities are considerably reduced. Quantitative modeling of all four spectroscopic observables in all seven solvents reveals that the origin of this effect is an increased solvent-induced homogeneous broadening in acetonitrile. The linear absorption oscillator strength is nearly solvent-independent, and the peak resonant hyperpolarizability, beta(-2omega;omega,omega), varies by only about 15% across the wide range of solvents examined. These results suggest that the resonant two-photon absorption cross sections in this chromophore should exhibit only a weak solvent dependence.
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, P.O. Box 2039, Merced, California 95344, USA.
authors.forename: Lian C T
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Shoute
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Helburn
authors.forename: Anne Myers
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Kelley