Abstract
The structural, thermal, and nonlinear optic (NLO) characterization of different polar materials is reported. These materials, which range from side-chain polymers to anisotropic networks and gels, were prepared by in situ photopolymerization of their precursors in the ferroelectric SmC * liquid crystal phase. The influence of the structure, the percentage of cross-linker, and the degree of mobility of a common NLO-phore on the second harmonic generation (SHG) activity have been considered with the aim of analyzing the most suitable approach for practical applications. Slight improvements in the SHG d ij coefficients of these polymeric materials compared to their parent low molecular mass starting compounds have been observed. However, from these studies, it can be stated that side-chain polymers and low cross-linking polymers are the most interesting materials from the point of view of both the NLO-activity and the ease of synthesis. These two types of materials provide stable room temperature thin films displaying SHG and electrooptic (EO) responses without the application of a poling field.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
