Selective poling of nonlinear optical polymer films by means of a monoenergetic electron beam

Electron beams with an energy of 10 keV were employed for selectively poling only the lower part of a typical nonlinear optical guest/host polymer at a temperature of 90 °C. The resulting dipole orientation was examined by means of electro-optical measurements and thermally stimulated depolarization, while the nonuniform charge and polarization profiles were probed with laser-induced pressure pulses and thermal waves. The concept of nonlinear optical frequency conversion with simultaneous mode conversion is described as an example for the advantages of such a selective poling process.