σ-Electrons rather than π-Electrons Inducing Sensitive Nonlinear Optical Responses in Planar and Quasi-Planar Boron Clusters

Geometries and electronic structures of planar and quasi-planar boron clusters resemble those of aromatic hydrocarbons, providing opportunities for designing novel nonlinear optical materials. However, the nonlinear optical properties, optical-response mechanisms, and optimal optical-response geometries of boron clusters remain unclear. Accordingly, this study addresses these uncertainties. Boron clusters exhibit good nonlinear optical performance, significantly surpassing that of aromatic hydrocarbons of comparable size. An analysis method based on electron density decomposition is proposed to quantitatively determine the contributions of σ- and π-electrons to the optical responses. The findings reveal that σ-electrons dominate the nonlinear optical responses in planar boron clusters owing to their delocalized characteristics, in marked contrast to aromatic hydrocarbons. Using boron isomers as model systems, boron nanoribbons were confirmed to provide optimal nonlinear optical performances. This study offers valuable insights into the nonlinear optical behaviors of planar and quasi-planar boron clusters, substantially enhancing the rational design of novel nonlinear optical materials.