Regulating Second-Harmonic Generation in 2D Chiral Perovskites Through Achiral Organic Spacer Cation Alloying Strategy

The inherent structural flexibility and chiroptical activity of 2D chiral perovskites make them promising for the nonlinear optical (NLO) application. A comprehensive understanding of the second-harmonic generation (SHG) mechanism in 2D chiral perovskites is essential for developing NLO devices. However, the rational design of 2D chiral perovskite structures to regulate SHG properties remains challenging. Herein, to regulate SHG response, an achiral organic spacer cation alloying strategy is employed to construct a series of 2D chiral perovskites. Through the measurement of temperature-dependent photoluminescence (PL) spectra, it is revealed that the material design strategy can effectively modulating self-trapped exciton (STE) emission. More importantly, it is confirmed that there is a competitive relationship between STE emission and SHG in 2D chiral perovskites. Meanwhile, the microscopic imaging of circularly polarized-SHG is demonstrated in chiral perovskites. This work will not only advance the understanding of the SHG mechanism in 2D chiral perovskites but also provide inspiration for the rational design and synthesis of perovskites for NLO devices.