reaching their limits. Organic non-linear optical materials have two major critical advantages
over conventional inorganic photonic crystals: speed (bandwidth on the order of tens of
terahertz) and processability. Developing devices such as optical switches and communication
fibers requires materials with a strong non-linear electro-optic effect, which can be obtained
through high acentric dipolar order. By spin coating chromophores in a polymer matrix while
heating above the glass transition temperature and in a strong electric field high order can be
obtained.
I plan on reporting our results characterizing newly synthesized chromophores in the Dalton/
Reid/Robinson groups. The chromophores I am working with have higher electro-optic
conversion efficiencies than DR1, one of the current baseline chromophores, and are interesting
candidates for device fabrication. We plan on observing and to report intercolation of these dyes
into DNA which hopefully will increase their order even more. In order to strengthen the material,
we are investigating cross-linking DNA-chromophore composites using a coumarin linker.
Being able to obtain a high acentric dipolar order in a polymer matrix with dyes intercolated into
DNA is essential for creating high performance organic optical switches and communication fibers.
We hope that our findings can contribute towards effective and efficient ways to replace inorganic
materials and meet the rising demands in telecommunications.