Abstract: Crosslinkable polymers which can exhibit second order nonlinear optical properties and methods of forming and crosslinking such polymers are disclosed. The crosslinkable polymers are combined with a crosslinking agent. Optionally, the crosslinking agent can exhibit second order nonlinear optical properties. In one embodiment, the crosslinking agent is thermally reactive. Alternatively the crosslinking agent is photoreactive. The combined polymer and crosslinking agent are exposed to an electric field which is sufficient to cause a component of the polymer which can exhibit second order nonlinear optical properties to be poled. The polymer is then crosslinked by the crosslinking agent. The crosslinking agent can be a guest compound that is-covalently bound to the polymer, which operates as a host compound.

Abstract: A nonlinear optical composition and a method of forming the nonlinear optical composition are disclosed. The nonlinear optical composition includes a silicon-containing component and a nonlinear optical component which causes the nonlinear optical composition to exhibit second order nonlinear optical polarization of electromagnetic radiation, such as light. The method includes forming a sol of the silicon-containing component and the nonlinear optical component of the composition. A gel is formed from the sol. The nonlinear optical component is then poled while the gel is exposed to conditions sufficient to cause formation of a nonlinear optical composition which exhibits second order nonlinear optical polarization of electromagnetic radiation.