Absorption and scattering in nonlinear optical polymeric systems

Fundamental absorption measurements were made on organic films which are candidates for nonlinear optical materials applications, in order to gain insight into the loss mechanisms. Photothermal deflection spectroscopy was used to obtain the full absorption spectrum and to explain observed variations in waveguide attenuation. The absorption data provide a complete characterization of the optical spectrum and allow us to select optimal polymer-chromophore systems. The variations in the attenuation at 832 nm are due to the chromophore absorption, while for wavelengths longer than 1 μm, the C - H vibrational overtones and combination bands of the polymer dominate the spectrum and are likely to be the main source of waveguide attenuation.