Abstract

Nonlinear optical properties in polymers depend on the delocalization of electrons over appreciable distances in special parts of the molecules. Since electrons have ultralow masses, they can be moved very rapidly in response to a forcefield such as an externally applied electric field. In inorganic crystals, the displacement of relatively heavy ions contributes significantly to the electro-optic effect, which makes the response times to driving fields significantly longer.

© 1994 Optical Society of America