Polymeric Non-Linear Optical Waveguides

Abstract

A particularly useful format for organic non-linear optical materials is that of a planar or stripe waveguide so that the materials can be utilised in integrated optical devices. The materials then have requirements placed upon them in addition to the need for high x2 or x3 coefficients: they must also be depositable in films of well controlled thickness and low scatter to enable low loss waveguiding to be performed over a sufficient distance to achieve non-linear interactions. Three approaches to achieving this in polymeric systems are described: 1. Non-linear dopant/film forming polymer/solvent systems where high levels of dopant can be achieved without phase separation in solvent cast, spun polymer films. 2. Solvent assisted indiffusion of non-linear dopant molecules into a polymer matrix material to produce slab or strip waveguides. 3. Deposition of novel non-linear optical polymers using the Langmuir Blodgett technique. Multilayer films have been built up to a sufficient thickness to achieve low loss waveguiding. For each of these approaches the choice of non-linear and/or polymer material will be discussed together with a description of the fabrication technique and optical properties of the finished structure. The applicability and suitability of these approaches to the fabrication of non-linear optical devices will be compared.