Poly(N-phenylmaleimide)- and poly(N-biphenylmaleimide)-urethanes, functionalised with NLO-phores for second-order nonlinear optical applications

Nonlinear optical (NLO) polymers with high glass transition temperatures were prepared by polymer analogous reaction of methyl vinylisocyanate copolymers, with hydroxyalkyl-functionalised chromophores which results into urethane linkages between the chromophore and the polymer backbone. The precursor polymers show an alternating structure and glass transition temperatures from 211°C to 247°C were obtained. Poled films of the polymers were characterised by second-harmonic generation measurements. Stability of the NLO effect of 85% can be obtained at elevated temperatures.