In substituted calix[4]-arenes-cyclophanes consisting of four phenol moieties connected by methylene bridges-the number and also the relative positions of the donor and/or acceptor pi-conjugated (D-pi-A) units can be varied by changing the configuration. The Figure illustrates the cone configuration. The molecular and thin-film NLO properties of three tetra-D-pi-A-substituted calix[4]arenes, including their orientation in thin films and the stability of their NLO properties, are described.