Polymers for nonlinear optics: advances and challenges

The nonlinear optical properties of polymers are adequate for the demonstration of high speed integrated optical devices in the laboratory. However, before these can be taken beyond the laboratory stage further progress is required in the development of easily processable polymers with a higher χ for all optical devices and the reduction of the photo-degradation of high χ polymers in order to provide electro-optical devices with extended operational lifetimes