Process for mass producing uniform multi-layer non-linear optical polymer thin polar films

A process for producing a uniform multi-layer second-order nonlinear optical polymer (NLOP) thin film incorporating aligned non-centrosymmetric chromophores, the chromophores each having an electron-donor end and an electron-receptor end, the process comprising:

• dipping a substrate, having upper and lower surfaces and a thickness, said thickness being in a plane of said substrate roughly perpendicular to said upper and lower surfaces, into a first aqueous solution containing an NLO-active cationic polymer having at least one repeating unit and incorporating positive ions, wherein at least one of said upper and lower surfaces has a net negative charge permanently imposed thereon;
• removing said substrate from said first solution after a first soak time;
• cleaning said substrate using a suitable solvent for a first pre-determined cleaning time;
• drying said substrate for a first pre-determined drying time;
• wherein said dipping in said first solution, cleaning, and drying results in the forming of a polycation layer of NLOP on at least one of said upper and lower surfaces;
• dipping said substrate into a second aqueous solution containing an anionic polymer having at least one repeating unit and incorporating negative ions;
• removing said substrate from said second solution after a second soak time;
• cleaning said substrate using a suitable solvent for a second pre-determined cleaning time;
• drying said substrate for a second pre-determined drying time;
• wherein said dipping in said second solution, cleaning, and drying results in the forming of a polyanion layer on said polycation layer;
• and
• repeating said dipping, cleaning, drying processes so that a predetermined plurality of alternating said polycation and said polyanion layers are built up uniformly upon said at least one surface of said substrate. wherein said process is performed in a manner to allow the chromophores within the cationic polymer to align as said cationic and anionic polymers within the structure solidify.