Optimizing electro-optic activity in chromophore/polymer composites and in organic chromophore glasses

Abstract

The motivation for use of organic electro-optic materials derives from (1) the inherently fast (sub-picosecond) response of π-electron systems in these materials to electrical perturbation making possible device applications with gigahertz and terahertz bandwidths, (2) the potential for exceptionally large (e.g., 1000 pm/V) electro-optic coefficients that would make possible devices operating with millivolt drive voltages, (3) light weight, which is a concern for satellite applications, and (4) versatile processability that permits rapid fabrication of a wide variety of devices including conformal and flexible devices, three dimensional active optical circuitry, hybrid organic/silicon photonic circuitry, and optical circuitry directly integrated with semiconductor VLSI electronics. The most significant concerns associated with the use of organic electro-optic materials relate to thermal and photochemical stability, although materials with glass transition temperatures on the order of 200°C have been demonstrated and photostability necessary for long term operation at telecommunication power levels has been realized. This communication focuses on explaining the theoretical paradigms that have permitted electro-optic coefficients greater than 300 pm/V (at telecommunication wavelengths) to be achieved and on explaining likely improvements in electro-optic activity that will be realized in the next 1-2 years. Systematic modifications of materials to improve thermal and photochemical stability are also discussed.

Organic electro-optic glasses for WDM applications

“…31 In the past year, electro-optic activities of greater than 300 pm/V have been realized for organic materials at telecommunication wavelengths. [47][48][49][50] One objective of this communication is to provide insight into how these high values were achieved and to speculate on what further improvements can be realized in the near term. It is also important to discuss auxiliary properties such as optical loss, thermal stability, photochemical stability, and processability.…”