POLYPHOSPHAZENES WITH HIGH REFRACTIVE-INDEXES - OPTICAL DISPERSION AND MOLAR REFRACTIVITY

The optical properties of a series of high refractive index polyphosph azenes were investigated. The wavelength-dependent change in refractiv e index (optical dispersion) associated with two selected polymers was examined using variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. Values of t he Abbe number for these polymers were calculated. These systems have a nu(D) = 20-25, which compares closely with other organic polymers wi th similar refractive indices. Calculation of the molar refractivity ( R-m) associated with the [N=P] repeat unit structure yielded a value o f R-m[N=P] = 14.36 cm(3)/mol. This value is compared with other polyme r repeat unit structures. The comparison indicates that the [N=P] repe at unit has a linear polarizability close to that found in conjugated [C=C] bonds.