Systematic wavelength dependence of the photodegradation of polymers doped with electro-optic chromophores

Summary form only given. There have been a number of recent breakthroughs in polymer photonics resulting in record performance of electro-optic modulators, photorefractive efficiency, etc. A common feature to many of these applications is an electro-optic active chromophore, usually based on a strong charge transfer mechanism. Such molecules are also frequently used for writing permanent index changes via a variety of photobleaching mechanisms near their absorption maximum where they are not photostable. A critical question is the wavelength dependence of the photostability and it´s value at device operating wavelengths. There have been a few reports on photostability but no systematic study of this effect. In this paper we discuss an appropriate photostability figure of merit, it´s wavelength dependence which appears to be universal, and the values required for multiyear device operation.