Large Photoinduced Refractive Index Increase in Polymer Films Containing Phenylazide Maintaining Their Transparency and Thermal Stability.

We realized large photoinduced refractive index increases of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) films containing phenylazide (PAZ) through photochemical and thermal processes. The refractive index increase of the PMMA film containing 30 wt% PAZ through the processes is as much as 0.0161 with transparency in a wide visible region both before and after photoirradiation and with moderate thermal stability. These excellent performances suggest the applicability of PAZ doped PMMA films for optical devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]