Use of Fabry-Pérot devices for the characterization of polymeric electro-optic films

Electro-optic properties of thin polymeric films can be studied by incorporating the films into the spacer layers of transmission-mode Fabry–Pérot devices formed using metal mirrors. The metal mirrors, which also serve as electrodes, are used for the application of an electric field for poling the polymeric material and for subsequently modulating the index of refraction through the electro-optic effect. A model for transmission modulation is developed, and experimental characterization of the devices by angles tuning at a fixed wavelength is presented. Suitable approximations can be made to allow determination of the net trapped charge and the electro-optic coefficients of the spacer layer. This paper demonstrates the use of polymeric thin-film étalon devices for the study of new materials and indicates their potential use as electro-optic devices.