Second order nonlinear optical interpenetrating polymer networks

摘要

A nonlinear optical interpenetrating polymer network which can exhibit nonlinear optical properties includes a first polymer, and a second polymer interpenetrating the first polymer. At least one of the polymers includes a nonlinear optical component. A method of forming a nonlinear optical interpenetrating polymer network which can exhibit nonlinear optical properties includes combining a first prepolymer, which can react to form a first polymer, with at least one monomer which can react to form a second polymer. At least one of either the first prepolymer or the monomer include a nonlinear optical component. The nonlinear optical component is poled and the first prepolymer and the monomer, or monomers, of the second prepolymer are reacted while the nonlinear optical component is being poled. The reaction of the first prepolymer forms a first polymer network and reaction of the monomer(s) form a second polymer network which interpenetrates the first polymer network to form an interpenetrating polymer network. The interpenetrating polymer network fixes the nonlinear optical component in the poled position, thereby forming an interpenetrating polymer network which exhibits nonlinear optical properties.