Self-assembled super lattices

Abstract

Polymer-based second harmonic generation materials are disclosed, including electric field poled, chromophore-functionalized polyphenylene ethers with second harmonic coefficients (d.sub.33) as high as 65.times.10.sup.-9 esu, Tg.apprxeq.173.degree. C., and with superior temporal stability of the poling-induced chromophore orientation. Procedures for simultaneously poling and diepoxide cross-linking chromophore-functionalized poly(.rho.-hydroxystyrene) are set forth, resulting in a significant improvement in the temporal stability of chromophore orientation. Chromophore immobilization is disclosed involving highly cross-linkable epoxy matrices. In a first procedure chromophore molecules are embedded in a matrix which can be simultaneously poled and thermally cured. In a second procedure, a functionalized high-.beta. chromophore is synthesized for use as an epoxy matrix component.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.