Systematic Study of Electro-optic Materials Composed of Non-linear Optical Chromophores and Polycarbonates

摘要

Polymeric electro-optic materials have many potential advantages over their inorganic counterparts in both industrial and military applications for the reason of bandwidth, driving voltage, and cost. To fulfill the device processing and performance requirements, electro-optic materials need to possess high electro-optic activity, low optical loss, adequate thermal and photochemical stability as well as long term alignment stability. In this work, first we have designed and synthesized a series of chromophores with various acceptors. Their thermal stability and electro-optic activity were compared. Detailed chromophore loading studies were carried out. An electro-optic coefficient of 160 pm/V was achieved. Secondly we modified our chromophore bridge by adapting 3,4-ethylenedioythiophene moiety. Both thermal stability and electro-optic activity are improved. Finally, we synthesized two polycarbonates with higher glass transition temperatures and lower optical loss. Their guest-host systems show improved EO activity, optical loss and long term alignment stability.