Second harmonic generation from individual hybrid MnPS3-based nanoparticles investigated by nonlinear microscopy

Hybrid nanoparticles have been designed for second harmonic generation (SHG) activity and investigated individually using polarized nonlinear microscopy. The structure is based on the insertion of non-centrosymmetric conjugated organic molecules in a MnPS3 matrix which provides the ideal backbone for a one-dimensional alignment. The high efficiency of isolated nanoparticles in a polymer thin film and the investigation of SHG polarization responses indicate the existence of several mono-crystalline nano-domains within the same particle. The mean size of such particles is estimated around 90 nm, which is further supported by Transmission Electron Microscopy.