US 6,294,593 B1 · Method and crosslinkable polymers for forming crosslinked second order nonlinear optical polymers

Abstract

Crosslinkable polymers which can exhibit second order nonlinear optical properties and methods of forming and crosslinking such polymers are disclosed. The crosslinkable polymers are combined with a crosslinking agent. Optionally, the crosslinking agent can exhibit second order nonlinear optical properties. In one embodiment, the crosslinking agent is thermally reactive. Alternatively the crosslinking agent is photoreactive. The combined polymer and crosslinking agent are exposed to an electric field which is sufficient to cause a component of the polymer which can exhibit second order nonlinear optical properties to be poled. The polymer is then crosslinked by the crosslinking agent. The crosslinking agent can be a guest compound that is-covalently bound to the polymer, which operates as a host compound.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A method for forming a crosslinked polymer which exhibits second order nonlinear optical properties, comprising the steps of:

a) combining a host polymer, which includes a second order nonlinear optical component covalently bonded to the host polymer, with a guest crosslinking agent that will exhibit second order nonlinear optical properties upon exposure to an electric field;
b) exposing the combined host polymer and guest crosslinking agent to an electric field to pole the second order nonlinear optical component of the host polymer, whereby the host polymer exhibits second order nonlinear optical properties;
and
c) exposing the host polymer and the guest crosslinking agent to electromagnetic radiation to cause the guest crosslinking agent to crosslink the host polymer, thereby forming a crosslinked polymer which exhibits second order nonlinear optical properties.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method and crosslinkable polymers for forming crosslinked second order nonlinear optical polymers

Life of this patent

Method and crosslinkable polymers for forming crosslinked second order nonlinear optical polymers

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims12