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

Novel photorefractive poly(glycidyl ether) oligomers of a carbazole-based m ultifunctional chromophore were synthesized via ring-opening cationic polym erization. This new class of materials showed good solubility in various or ganic solvents and thermal stability up to 400 degrees C. Optical quality f ilms of excellent transparency at the light wavelength above 430 nm were ob tained 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 coefficie nts (r(33)) of 5-7 pm V-1 were easily achieved by the contact poling of spi n-coated films. As evidence of photonfractivity, an asymmetric two-beam cou pling 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.