  The microscopic structure of a new infrared-driven amorphous
white-light-generating material was explored by X-ray diffraction, EXAFS and
Reverse Monte Carlo simulation. In this material, structural disorder appears
to be prerequisite for this nonlinear optical effect. The results are
consistent with quantum chemical predictions, but it is also found that the
molecular cores are distorted, which is identified as a crystallization
inhibitor. Sulfur atoms thereby form a uniform vibrational network, which may
be responsible for the high capability of the material to absorb infrared
radiation.
