Highly efficient and thermally stable second-order nonlinear optical polymers

Several functionalized polyurethanes with highly active nonlinear optical chromophores were prepared. The alignment of the chromophores in poled samples exhibited an extended temporal stability due to the hydrogen bonding between the urethane linkage. Thermally stable polyetherimides with an excellent long-term stability of nonlinear activity were also developed. The detailed characterization, including thermal and optical properties, indicated very promising features for photonics applications of these polymers.