Efficient frequency-doubling in a poled PVDF copolymer guest/host composite

Abstract

We describe the linear and nonlinear properties of a new polymer composite, which uses a ferroelectric PVDF copolymer host in which an optically nonlinear low-molecularweight guest is dissolved and subsequently aligned using a room-temperature poling process. We have measured the frequency-doubling coefficient d33 of these poled composites at 1-064/mi to be as high as 2-6 × 10−12m/V. In addition, we have shown that this material may be formed into waveguiding structures with an acceptable optical loss (̃5dB/cm), as is needed in many signal processing systems.