In this paper we describe the synthesis and the optical properties of new push-pull systems with a 1,3-dithiole moiety as a donor, a thiophene ring in the spacer group and two strong acceptors. The role of the thiophene ring as an auxiliary donor was also investigated. All chromophores in this study exhibit high decomposition temperatures, above 230 degrees C. The macroscopic nonlinear response has been evaluated by incorporating some of the chromophores as a guest in a polycarbonate (PC) host matrix.