Simple reflection technique for measuring the electro-optic coefficient of poled polymers

Abstract

A simple reflection technique for measuring the electro-optic coefficient of nonlinear optical polymeric films is described. The technique is based on the polarization rotation of a laser beam due to the electro-optic effect. It requires no waveguiding and can be used to measure polymeric films during, as well as after, the electrical poling process. The results are in excellent agreement with those obtained from the more conventional but much more time consuming waveguiding method.