[摘要]:This work reports on nonlinear optical properties of some azo-functionalized azulene derivatives. Linear and nonlinear optical absorption, second- and third harmonic generation were used as diagnostic tools. It was demonstrated that light induced a surface pattern on thin films containing the studied compounds. The results indicate an important role of thiazole substitution for enhancing NLO properties of the azulene derivatives. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.