Invention:
This invention is a new class of hybrid inorganic-organic polymer chemistry for synthesizing high refractive index optical polymers. Monomers for these materials comprise vinylic groups linked to a protecting group capable of being cleaved upon application of an external stimulus. The refractive index of the polymer may be changed during the process of polymerization by the external stimuli. This invention provides an attractive and low cost alternative for polymeric optical devices that require variable and high refractive index materials and allows for facile fabrication of polymer waveguide devices, including for use as optical interconnects. The material may be used in a wide range of IR applications, including for short-wave infrared and mid-wave infrared.
Background:
There is a need for polymeric optical materials which possess ultra high indices of refraction and are cheap and easy to process for use in optical mirrors and reflectors, including waveguides, in the infrared spectrum.
Applications:
- Mirrors
- Reflectors
- Waveguides
- Bragg gratings
- Interconnects
- Optical devices for infrared transmission or reflection
- SWIR
- MWIR
Advantages:
- Low cost ultra high refractive index
- Refractive index is tunable during the polymerization process
- Polymeric infrared waveguides
US Patent Granted No. 11,685,797
