Applications of Novel Optical Polymers

Abstract

Optical polymers present rich opportunities for innovation due to their cost-effectiveness and processability. In this presentation, an overview of optical polymers used in three distinct applications will be provided. First, the use of moldable silicone will be analyzed as a critical component in a novel two-stage solar concentrator for electricity generation. The excellent moldability of the polymer provides the capability of mass production of the primary focusing optic as well as freeform waveguides needed for such a system, resulting in a significant decrease in cost when compared to glass. Next, low-cost alternatives to commercial Faraday rotation materials, which are generally limited to difficult to handle and expensive crystals, are presented. These unique materials consist of magneto-optical nanoparticles in a polymer host, and present an alternative with ultra-high, tunable Verdet constants with applications in optical isolators, optical circulators, and active magneto-optic devices. Finally, the utilization of two distinct, newly developed sulfur-based polymers as media for infrared optics is explored. The performance of near infrared antireflection coatings and Bragg mirrors is demonstrated for one high refractive index polymer (poly (S-r-DIB)), and functional Fresnel lenses and microlens arrays for the long wave infrared region are shown with the other, (poly (S-r-NBD2).