DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF FUNCTIONALIZED POLYIMIDES FOR 2ND-ORDER NONLINEAR OPTICS

A functionalized aromatic polyimide with a pendent nonlinear optical c hromophore has been synthesized. The detailed characterization indicat ed very promising features for this polymer. The poly(amic acid) is so luble in several aprotic polar solvents, permitting thin film processi ng. The poly(amic acid) can be imidized at ca. 200 degrees C without d amaging the NLO chromophore. A glass transition temperature of 240 deg rees C was observed for the polyimide, which rendered a high stability of the optical nonlinearity at elevated temperatures, Long-term stabi lity was observed at 170 degrees C.