Abstract: The invention pertains to a cross-linker of the formula wherein n is 0 or 1; m is 0 or 1; R is and R1 is independently OH or —CO—O(hydroxyphenyl), or of the formula with the proviso that 3,4-dihydroxyphenylmaleimide is excluded. The invention further pertains to cross-linked optical polycarbonate and optical articles obtainable by cross-linking a polycarbonate with this cross-linker or with 3,4-dihydroxyphenylmaleimide.

Abstract: The present invention is in the field of optical polymers, more particularly, optical polycarbonates for use in optical components.The present invention provides a cross-linkable or cross-linked optical polycarbonate built up from a monomer mixture comprising:compounds according to formula 1: ##STR1## wherein: P stands for --Cl, O--R, an imidazole group or --O--Ph, Q stands for --Cl, O--R, an imidazole group or --O--Ph,R stands for an alkylene group having 1-6 carbon atoms,Ph stands for phenyl,A stands for --Ph--, halogenated --Ph--, (halo)alkyl substituted --Ph, --Ph--Ph--, halogenated --Ph--Ph, --Ph--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 --Ph--, --Ph--SO.sub.2 --Ph--, --Ph--C(CF.sub.3)--Ph--, halogenated --Ph--C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 --Ph, halogenated --Ph--C(CF.sub.3).sub.2 --Ph, phenolphtalein, --Ph--C(Ph).sub.2 --Ph,m is an integer from 0 to 5, with the A-groups being the same or different,optionally, diols, optionally, a dihydroxy-functionalised NLO-compound, and 2,3 dihydroxy propyl methacrylate as a crosslinker.