Second-harmonic generation in an optically poled azo-dye/polymer film

Abstract

The power dependence of the optical poling process of a new azo chromophore in the polymethylmethacrylate matrix at room temperature has been investigated. The existing theory is found to be inconsistent with the experiment. A simple model based on the rate equation is proposed to describe the writing process of the chromophore/polymer system. The measured growth rate and the plateau second-harmonic generation intensity as induced by all optical poling are found to be in good agreement with the prediction of the simple model.

Photoinduced Heating of Freestanding Azo-Polymer Thin Films Monitored by Scanning Thermal Microscopy

“…Azobenzene-functionalized polymers have been the subject of intensive studies during recent decades owing to their nonlinear optical properties. , A key peculiarity of these structures is the ability of azo chromophores to get oriented in a glassy environment under polarized light and dc electric field. The underlying trans -to- cis and back photoisomerization − leads to photoinduced surface deformations, − optical dichroism, and birefringence. ,− These effects have been widely used in different practical applications such as frequency conversion, − optical switching, and storage, − to name a few. Multiple studies − reported that photoinduced thermal effects are negligible to affect the formation of surface patterns and the intrinsic optical anisotropy due to polymer mass migration and side-chain molecular movements, respectively.…”

Investigation of Azo Polymers Local Mobility by Oscillatory Spectra of Chromophores

“…В настоящее время найдено много различных применений для материалов с моле-кулами такого вида. В частности, их используют в устройствах оптической памяти для записи и хранения информации [1], для преобразова-ния частоты света [2], в качестве оптических переключателей [3].…”

“…Nowadays, many different applications for materials with the specified molecules are found, including their use in the devices of optical memory for recording and storage of information [1], for light frequency conversion [2], as optical switches [3].…”

Second-order nonlinear optical properties of mexylaminotriazine-functionalized glass-forming azobenzene derivatives

“…Aside from their molecular photo-switching abilities, both azo polymers [8] and hyperbranched azo polymers [9,10] have been studied for their photoinduced birefringence and optical nonlinearities for use in optical data storage and processing applications [11]. Electro-optic modulation [12], second harmonic [13], and even third harmonic [14] generation of light have been studied in azo polymers using both corona poling and all-optical poling setups [15], where, in the latter, partial molecular reorientation is achieved uniquely with light.…”