Characterization of crosslinked electro-optic polyimides

The electro-optical properties of Ultradel R 9000D polyimides doped with DCM and DADC, a bis(carbazole) analog of DCM with improved thermal stability, are reported. Cure temperatures were restricted to 240 degree(s)C or less to minimize potential thermal degradation of these dyes. Low poling fields of 30 V/micrometers were used in these experiments and yielded r 13 coefficients in the 0.1 - 0.8 pm/V range. Photothermal deflection measurements of dye-doped Ultradel 9000D samples showed low optical absorption losses in systems cured at 175 degree(s)C, but losses exceeded 20 dB/cm in samples cured at 300 degree(s)C.