Optimization of poling conditions in second-order nonlinear optical active sol-gel materials bearing disperse red 1

A second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) chromophore (Disperse Red 1) was reacted with 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane to form a silicon alkoxide precursor (SGDR1). In order to investigate the effect of poling temperature on the electro-optic effect and its relaxation behavior, we performed time resolved study using the thin film of SGDR1. We could optimize the poling conditions to maximize the second-order NLO effect. Thermal crosslink was induced between the organic side groups themselves. We prepared two different solutions to fabricate the thin films ; one composed of SGDR1 only, and the other one consisting of SGDR1 and 3-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane (GPTS). We achieved much improvement in the temporal stability of second-order NLO effect at high temperature with the composite films.