Published online by Cambridge University Press: 25 February 2011
The relationship between the supramolecular conformational structure of assembled chromophores and their susceptibility to electric field poling is of interest for maximizing the bulk alignment achievable in an electro-optic material. We have employed solution phase dielectric constant measurements to investigate possible enhancements in dipolar susceptibility as a function of connectivity and state of aggregation in rationally synthesized chromophore assemblies, including conformationally defined head-to-tail oligomers. On the other hand, conformationally unrestricted, highly dipolar azo dyes behave as relatively isolated molecules even when present in supersaturated solutions and in close proximity on polymer chains.