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.