Layer by layer self-assembly of large response molecular electro-optic materials by a desilylation strategy
The preparation of robust, thin film materials with large second-order optical nonlinearities through the covalent self-assembly of chromophoric compositions and innovative use of silyl chemistry.
1. A method of using a metal component to control the refractive index of an electro-optic material, said method comprising:
preparing a layered acentric electro-optic composite material, said composite material comprising first and second siloxane layers and at least one organic chromophore layer; and
intercalating a metal component into said layered composite material, said metal of said component selected from the group consisting of Group III and Group IV metals, a precursor of said metal component deposited directly on said first siloxane layer and said second siloxane layer deposited directly on said metal component.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein said metal is selected from the group consisting of Hf, Ga and In.
3. The method of claim 2 wherein said metal component is the reaction product of a metal oxide and a said siloxane layer.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein said intercalated composite material has a tetralayer having a chromophore, a first siloxane layer, a metal component and a second siloxane layer, said composite material comprising a plurality of tetralayers.