Non-linear optical polymeric article and method

摘要

Articles exhibiting non-linear optical properties useful as electrooptic devices are prepared where the dopant moieties are aligned at relatively low temperatures. An intermediate article is formed by swelling with a diluent including a pressurized gas, such as carbon dioxide. The dopant moieties dispersed in the polymer are aligned by applying an electric field while maintaining the polymer in the swollen state caused by diluent sorption. Substantially all the diluent can then be removed without the necessity of a temperature elevation above about room temperature since the pressurized gas of the diluent can be removed by lowering the pressure to about atmospheric conditions. Polymers with high glass transition temperatures, preferably at or above about 150 DEG C., can thus be used in preparing electrooptic devices.