Anomalous-dispersion phase-matched second-harmonic generation in polymer waveguides: chromophores for increased efficiency and ultraviolet stability

We report on a series of tricyanovinylaniline chromophores for use as dopan ts in poled poly(methyl methacrylate) waveguides for anomalous-dispersion p hase-matched second-harmonic generation. Second-harmonic-generation measure ments as a function of mode index confirmed anomalous-dispersion phase-matc hing efficiencies as large as 245%/W cm(2) over a propagation length of sim ilar to 35 mu m. The waveguide coupling technique limited the interaction l ength. The photostability of the chromophores was measured directly and fou nd to agree qualitatively with second-harmonic measurements over time and w as found to be improved over previously reported materials. Prospects for o btaining efficient conversion by combining anomalous dispersion with Cerenk ov phase matching are discussed. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America [S0740 -3224(00)01503-4] OCIS codes: 190.2620, 190.4710, 190.4400.