In situ electric field measurements during corona poling of second-order nonlinear polymers

The large magnitude of second-order nonlinearities routinely obtained by the corona poling technique can contribute to a large electric poling field. However, because of the nature of the corona poling process, measurement of the electric field during corona poling is difficult. The electric field is a fundamental property that influences the poling of nonlinear polymers. An understanding of how the electric field in a nonlinear polymeric film is affected when parameters such as temperature and poling current are varied can be used to optimize the poling processing conditions. An optimum poling procedure is required that maximizes the orientational order and nonlinear stability, while minimizing optical losses. Results are reported of a study of an experimental technique that can be used to perform an in situ measurement of the electric field in a nonlinear polymeric film during corona poling.