Synthesis and application of a stable nonlinear optical polymer

A photo-cross-linked side-chain second-order nonlinear optical polymer was synthesized with bis-phenol-A as the polymer backbone. The characterization of the polymer was done by nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectra and dynamic mechanical analysis methods. The electro-optic film was obtained by spin-coating and corona poling then photo-cross-linked. The film showed high glass transition temperature (160 degrees C) and improved chromophore orientation stability. An electro-optic measuring system was established based on this film. The results showed that the film has a linear electro-optic characteristic and the voltage sensitivity was higher than that of a GaAs probe. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.