The second hyperpolarizability γN​(−3ωω,ω,ω) of
N double-bond finite chain of trans-polyactylene is analyzed using the
Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model to explain qualitative features of the
size-dependence behavior of γN​. Our study shows that γN​/N is
{\it nonmonotonic} with N and that the nonmonotonicity is caused by the
dominant contribution of the intraband transition to γN​ in polyenes.
Several important physical effects are discussed to reduce quantitative
discrepancies between experimental and our resultsComment: 3 figures, 1 tabl