Ionically self-assembled monolayers for optical waveguides: Processing, fabrication and characterization

Dye-doped polymers have been studied for use in nonlinear optical devices for over twenty years. Ionic self-assembled monolayers are of particular interest because of their high temporal stability and ease of fabrication. Commercial devices utilize inorganic lithium niobate for nonlinear optical applications like modulators and switches. However, the interest in organic dye-doped polymers is due to potential robust device performance at lower cost. The inherent advantage of these materials is that they allow detailed structural control at the molecular level to tailor materials for a given application. The capabilities and limitations of these ISAM materials are reviewed. Preparation and fabrication techniques are discussed with the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Results of characterization of the material are presented. Finally possible applications to devices are presented.