Photo-orientation and poling of high Tg polyimides containing azo chromophores

Results are presented of studies in four high temperature NLO polymers. The structures are fully soluble polyimide derivatives with Tg values ranging from 210-350°C. Polymers 1 and 2 are rigid systems where the donor chromophore is coupled directly into the polymer backbone. The polyimides 3a and 3b are true side chain derivatives where the chromophore is coupled to the backbone via a flexible spacer allowing greater orientational flexibility of the chromophore itself.