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 degrees 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 photonfractivity, an asymmetric two-beam coupling gain of 3.2 cm(-1) was demonstrated at an electric field of 30 V mu m(-1) with a low-T-g polymer blend of multifunctional poly(glycidyl ether). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.