This grant features a dual-edged effort of physical measurement (at Stanford) and synthesis (at the Kent State subcontractor) to develop new photorefractive polymers, demonstrate previously unobserved physical effects, and most importantly, to understand the mechanisms controlling the performance. This collaboration between Stanford and Kent, has successfully developed several new classes of materials which have been explored in detail using thermal, optical, electrical, and photorefractive measurements. Using our faster materials, we have demonstrated two new applications for photorefractive polymers: image amplification/novelty filtering, near-infrared response in a glassy photorefractive, and adaptive beamsplitting for detection of laser-generated ultrasound.

The future of information technology requires ultra high speed processing and large data storage capacity. Since the electronics technology using semi conduc tors and inorganic materials is about to reach its limits, much current research is focused on utilizing much faster photons than electrons, namely photonics. To achieve any significant effect on the actual use of the science of photonics, devel opments of more efficient photonics materials, better optical property evaluations, manufacture of devices for system applications, etc. are the subjects which need to be explored. In particular, the development of photonics materials stands in the forefront of research as this constitutes the most pertinent factor with regard to the development of ultra high speed and large capacity information processing. In this respect, there has been continuous research on photo responsive materials through molecular structure design and architecture and the results so far are very promising as functions and performances are beginning to realize their high expectations. The two special volumes "Polymers for Photonics Applications" give authorita tive and critical reviews on up to date activities in various fields of photonic poly mers including their promising applications. Seven articles have been contributed by internationally recognized and they deal with, polymers for second and third order nonlinear optics, quadratic parametric interactions in polymer waveguides, electroluminescent polymers as light sources, photoreflective polymers for holo graphic information storage, and highly efficient two photon absorbing organics and polymers.

This book provides comprehensive, state-of-the art coverage of photorefractive organic compounds, a class of material with the ability to change their index of refraction upon illumination. The change is both dynamic and reversible. Dynamic because no external processing is required for the index modulation to be revealed, and reversible because the index change can be modified or suppressed by altering the illumination pattern. These properties make photorefractive materials very attractive candidates for many applications such as image restoration, correlation, beam conjugation, non-destructive testing, data storage, imaging through scattering media, holographic imaging and display. The field of photorefractive organic material is also closely related to organic photovoltaic and light emitting diode (OLED), which makes new discoveries in one field applicable to others.

The future of information technology requires ultra high speed processing and large data storage capacity. Since the electronics technology using semi conduc tors and inorganic materials is about to reach its limits, much current research is focused on utilizing much faster photons than electrons, namely photonics. To achieve any significant effect on the actual use of the science of photonics, devel opments of more efficient photonics materials, better optical property evaluations, manufacture of devices for system applications, etc. are the subjects which need to be explored. In particular, the development of photonics materials stands in the forefront of research as this constitutes the most pertinent factor with regard to the development of ultra high speed and large capacity information processing. In this respect, there has been continuous research on photo responsive materials through molecular structure design and architecture and the results so far are very promising as functions and performances are beginning to realize their high expectations. The two special volumes "Polymers for Photonics Applications" give authorita tive and critical reviews on up to date activities in various fields of photonic poly mers including their promising applications. Seven articles have been contributed by internationally recognized and they deal with, polymers for second and third order nonlinear optics, quadratic parametric interactions in polymer waveguides, electroluminescent polymers as light sources, photoreflective polymers for holo graphic information storage, and highly efficient two photon absorbing organics and polymers.

This is the first of two volumes that review, for the first time, all major aspects of photorefractive effects and their applications. Photorefractive effects in electro-optic crystals are based on optically induced space-charge fields which ultimately alter the refractive indices by the electro-optic Pockels effect. The fundamental phenomena leading to photoinduced changes of refractive index, the materials requirements and experimental results on a variety of photorefractive materials are discussed and the most recent theoretical models describing these phenomena are presented. Interest in photorefractive materials has increased in recent years mainly because of their potential for nonlinear optical devices and for optical signals processing applications. Most of these applications are reviewed in the second volume devoted to this topic. The contributions to these two volumes are written by experts on each topic and are intended for scientists and engineers active in the field and for researchers and graduate students entering the field. Over 300 references to original papers on photorefractive and associated phenomena are cited.

Optical Properties of Functional Polymers and Nano Engineering Applications provides a basic introduction to the optical properties of polymers, as well as a systematic overview of the latest developments in their nano engineering applications. Covering an increasingly important class of materials relevant not only in academic research but also in industry, this comprehensive text: Considers the advantages of the liquid gradient refractive index (L-GRIN) lenses over the conventional solid lenses Explores the electrochemistry of photorefractive polymers, the molecular structure of commonly used polymers, and various 3D holographic displays Discusses gene detection using the optical properties of conjugated polymers Highlights the physics of fluorescence in photoluminescent polymers, and energy and electron transfer mechanisms Introduces conventional polymer ion sensors based on the optical sensors of conjugated polymers prepared by click chemistry reactions Explains colorimetric visual detection of ions by donor–acceptor chromophores Describes optical sensors based on fluorescent polymers and for the detection of explosives and metal ion analytes Addresses holographic polymer-dispersed liquid crystal technology, its optical setups, and its applications in organic lasers Presents cutting-edge research on electrochromic devices, along with new concepts, prototypes, commercial products, and future prospects Demonstrates new techniques for creating nanoscale morphologies through self-assembly, which affect the optical properties of the functional polymers Optical Properties of Functional Polymers and Nano Engineering Applications emphasizes the importance of nano engineering in improving the fundamental optical properties of the functional polymers, elaborating on high-level research while thoroughly explaining the underlying principles.