Fluorinated crosslinked electro-optic materials and electro-optic devices therefrom

Abstract

A nonlinear optical chromophore having the formula D-π-A, wherein π is a π bridge including a thiophene ring having oxygen atoms bonded directly to the 3 and 4 positions of the thiophene ring, D is a donor, and A is an acceptor.

1 - 21 . (canceled)  
   
   
       22 . An electro-optic composition of matter made by a process comprising: 
 a) providing a guest chromophore in a polymer host, wherein both the guest chromophore and polymer host contain fluorinated crosslinkable groups;    b) applying an electric field to the composite to induce electro-optic activity; and    c) crosslinking the composite.    
   
   
       23 . An electro-optic device comprising the electro-optic composition of matter of  claim 22 .  
   
   
       24 . The electro-optic device of  claim 23 , wherein the electro-optic device is selected from the group consisting of an optical modulator, an optical switch, and an optical directional coupler.  
   
   
       25 . The electro-optic device of  claim 23 , comprising: 1) an input waveguide; 2) an output waveguide; 3) a first leg having a first end and a second end, the first leg being coupled to the input waveguide at the first end and to the output waveguide at the second end; and 4) and a second leg having a first end and a second end, the second leg being coupled to the input waveguide at the first end and to the output waveguide at the second end.  
   
   
       26 . The electro-optic device of  claim 23 , comprising: 1) an input; 2) an output; 3) a first waveguide extending between the input and output; and 4) a second waveguide aligned to the first waveguide and positioned for evanescent coupling to the first waveguide.  
   
   
       27 . An optical router including the electro-optic device of  claim 23 .  
   
   
       28 . A communications system including at least one electro-optic device of  claim 23 .  
   
   
       29 . A method of data transmission comprising transmitting light through the composition of  claim 22 .  
   
   
       30 . A method of telecommunication comprising transmitting light through the composition of  claim 22 .  
   
   
       31 . A method of transmitting light comprising directing light through or via the composition of  claim 22 .  
   
   
       32 . A method of routing light through an optical system comprising transmitting light through or via the composition of  claim 22 .  
   
   
       33 . A phased array radar system comprising the composition of  claim 22.