Polyimide/inorganic interpenetrating polymer networks for stable second-order nonlinear optics
Journal
Journal of Macromolecular Science - Pure and Applied Chemistry
Journal Volume
38 A
Journal Issue
12
Pages
1259-1274
Date Issued
2001
Author(s)
Abstract
Thermally stable NLO interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) based on an organosoluble polyimides functionalized with methacryloyl groups (PIB), and an alkoxysilane dye (ASD) have been developed. IPNs were formed through the free radical polymerization of methacryloyl group containing PIB, and sol-gel process of ASD. Optically clear samples exhibit large second-order optical nonlinearity (d33 = 6.9-39.6 pm/V at 1064 nm) after poling and curing at 180°C for 2 hours. The temporal stability of the PIB/ASD IPN samples was much better than the inter-chain crosslinking polyimide/inorganic samples. The high rigidity of the polymer backbone and the interpenetrating structure of the polymer networks prevent the randomization of the aligned NLO chromophores.
Type
journal article