Modeling of optical waveguide poling and thermally stimulated discharge (TSD) charge and current densities for guest/host electro-optic polymers

A charge density and current density model of a waveguide system has been developed to explore the effects of electric field electrode poling. An optical waveguide is modeled during poling by considering the dielectric charge distribution, polarization charge distribution, and conduction charge generated by the poling field. The charge distributions are the source of poling current densities. The model shows that boundary charge current density and polarization current density are the major source of currents measured during poling and thermally stimulated discharge measurements. Charge distributions provide insight into the poling mechanisms and are directly related to E_A and α_r. Initial comparisons with experimental data show excellent correlation to the model results.