Synthesis, characterization, and processing of organic polymers for nonlinear optical applications

Polyimides possess interesting nonlinear optical properties. The overall goal of our effort is to develop the requisite synthesis and processing techniques to produce polyimides with high (Chi) (3) and low absorptive losses. The target value for many applications is (Chi) (3)/(alpha) equals 10-7 esu-cm. The synthesis and characterization of both the linear and nonlinear optical properties of these materials and the requirements for their utilization in optical bistability is reported.