Synthesis and electro-optical features of a high Tg polymer system with excellent electro-optic activity and thermal stability

Three chromophores with tricyanofuran and tricyanopyrroline electron acceptors were synthesized and doped in high glass transition temperature (Tg) polymer poly(N-(4-acetoxylphenyl)maleimide-co-styrene, NAPMI-co-ST). The electro-optic (EO), optical, and thermal properties of the doped poly(NAPMI-co-ST) were characterized and discussed. After being corona poled under 12 kV, this high Tg polymer material showed excellent EO activity and thermal stability. The highest EO coefficient (r33) reached 48.2 pm V−1 (1,310 nm) and could remain 90 % of the original value for 100 h at 85 °C. The EO coefficient was relatively higher compared with other high Tg EO polymers. The thermal stability was also very good and the manufacture process was convenient and applicable for device fabrication.