Development of new cyclic olefin polymers for optical uses

New cyclic olefin polymers (COP) with a better balance of properties than those of conventional optical plastics have been developed by using norbornene monomers. The COP are prepared by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene monomers followed by complete hydrogenation of double bonds. The COP have practically been applied for optical uses such as lenses, prisms and optical discs.