Synthesis and nonlinear optical properties of a cross-linkable system using sol-gel approach

Electro-optic (E-O) materials containing methacrylate-co-(methacrylate)propyl(triethoxy)silicane and chromophore FVB were prepared via sol-gel approach. The chromophore FVB was synthesized using microwave-assisted method. The cross-linkable E-O material exhibited excellent film quality, thermal stability and good E-O activity. The highest E-O coefficient value (r33) 39.8 pm/V and improved E-O stability was obtained in the copolymer with higher crosslink degree. The E-O stability was much better than other guest-host polymers at room temperature. The results of the E-O coefficients and thermal properties indicated that this kind of copolymer could not only effectively improve the stability but also increase the r33 values.

► Chromophore and copolymer compose electro-optic (E-O) active system. ► E-O polymer with sol-gel branches forms crosslink structure after poling. ► Materials exhibit relative high E-O coefficient and good thermal stability. ► Appropriate increase of sol-gel content enhances the E-O coefficient and stability.