Dynamics and efficiency of all-optical poling in polymers

A phenomenological model for photoinduced orientation mechanism in dyed polymers was recently proposed. Based on essential observable parameters, we develop here a simplified resolution which permits the derivation of an analytical dependence for the photoinduced second-order susceptibility. It shows that optimization of the all-optical poling efficiency must be treated not only in terms of nonlinear optics but also in terms of chemical physics and dynamics. Optimization of the poling dynamics involves key seeding parameters such as writing beam energies and matrix rigidity. Experiments performed in polymethylmethacrylate grafted or doped with Disperse Red 1 are used to verify the model. The two key parameters are the competing spontaneous and photoinduced orientation diffusion rates. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.