CROSS-LINKED POLED POLYMER - POLING AND THERMAL-STABILITY

Cross-linked poled polymers were studied with a methacrylate polymer containing chromophores and epoxide groups as side chains. The cross-linking and poling processes were monitored by electrooptic (EO) measurement. Contribution of molecular motions of the chromophores was observed with low-frequency AC electric field. This contribution decreased as the cross-linking reaction proceeded, and was found to be a good monitor of poling with cross-linking. The resultant cross-linked poled polymers showed significant improvement of thermal stability. The stability was studied by changing the concentrations of cross-linking agents, curing temperatures, and type of cross-linking agent.