We present nonlinear optical spectroscopy of the model conjugated polymer MEH-PPV, a derivative of poly(paraphenylenevinylene) (PPV) and compare it with PPV. We perform multiphoton excited fluorescence spectroscopy and z-scan studies of solutions compared with third-harmonic generation, linear and nonlinear waveguide spectroscopy with intensity dependent prism coupling of thin films in the NIR region. Spectra of the nonlinear absorption coefficient and nonlinear refractive index are used to identify the figures of merit (FOM). We observe a spectral window at 1100 - 1200 nm were the application demands for all-optical waveguide switching are fulfilled. We demonstrate all-optical refractive index changes in the order of 0.001. Control of the molecular weight of MEH-PPVs enables improved film forming properties, reduced birefringence and ultimately low waveguide propagation losses < 1 dB/cm.
Thin films of poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PVK) were prepared by spincoating upon fused silica substrates. PVK was dissolved in dimethyl formamide (DMF) and processed at elevated temperatures. Thin films with the required thickness and low surface roughness were obtained by careful optimization of the preparation parameters, such as concentration, spinning speed and temperature of these spincoating process. The dispersion of refractive indices of PVk films was measured by reflectometry and by prism coupling at 633 nm and 1064 nm. The attenuation loss of slab waveguides was measured by monitoring the stray light of the guided mode with a diode array. The loss depends significantly on the relative ratio of surface roughness to thickness. As this ratio depends on preparation conditions, we succeeded in fabricating planar waveguides of PVK that had an attenuation loss of only 1 dB/cm at 633 nm.
Conference Committee Involvement (8)
Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XIV
23 January 2012 | San Francisco, California, United States
Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XIII
24 January 2011 | San Francisco, California, United States
Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XII
26 January 2010 | San Francisco, California, United States
Organic Photonic Materials and Devices XI
27 January 2009 | San Jose, California, United States
Organic Photonic Materials and Devices X
22 January 2008 | San Jose, California, United States
Organic Photonic Materials and Devices IX
21 January 2007 | San Jose, California, United States
Organic Photonic Materials and Devices VIII
23 January 2006 | San Jose, California, United States
Organic Photonic Materials and Devices VII
24 January 2005 | San Jose, California, United States
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