Synthesis and properties of oligomeric poly(glycidyl ether)s with a carbazole-based multifunctional photorefractive chromophore

Abstract

Novel photorefractive poly(glycidyl ether) oligomers of a carbazole-based multifunctional chromophore were synthesized via ring-opening cationic polymerization. This new class of materials showed good solubility in various organic solvents and thermal stability up to 400°C. Optical quality films of excellent transparency at the light wavelength above 430 nm were obtained by spin-coating or casting. Photoconductive sensitivity of the film was as high as 10 −13 S cm −1/mW cm −2 at 532 nm. Electrooptic coefficients ( r 33) of 5–7 pm V −1 were easily achieved by the contact poling of spin-coated films. As evidence of photorefractivity, an asymmetric two-beam coupling gain of 3.2 cm −1 was demonstrated at an electric field of 30 V μm −1 with a low- T g polymer blend of multifunctional poly(glycidyl ether).