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Low-Transmission-Loss Optical Waveguide Devices of Polyimides with Trifluoromethoxy-Enhanced Ultrahigh Refractive
Xiaoliang Yu1,2, Yuxiao Zhao1, Luyao Tian1
1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brine Chemical Engineering and Resource Eco-utilization, College of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Tianjin University of Science & Technology, Tianjin 300457, P. R. China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|May 25, 2026
Summary
New polyimides with ultrahigh refractive index and ultralow birefringence offer superior optical performance for data communication. These materials exhibit minimal signal attenuation, making them ideal for optical waveguides and advanced technologies.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Optoelectronics
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Short-distance optical communication is critical for data-centric networks.
- High-performance optical transmission media are urgently needed.
- Polyimides are advanced engineering plastics with potential for optical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel ternary copolymerized polyimides for high-performance optical transmission.
- To investigate the impact of trifluoromethoxy groups on polymer optical properties.
- To evaluate the suitability of these polyimides for optical waveguide devices.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of ternary copolymerized polyimides using a two-step thermal imidization strategy.
- Incorporation of trifluoromethoxy (-OCF3) groups into the polymer structure.
- Characterization of optical properties, including refractive index, birefringence, light absorption, and signal attenuation at communication wavelengths (1310 nm and 1550 nm).
Main Results:
- Achieved an ultrahigh refractive index above 1.8.
- Obtained an ultralow birefringence of 0.003.
- Demonstrated very weak light absorption and signal attenuation at 1310 nm and 1550 nm.
- Exhibited extremely low moisture absorption.
Conclusions:
- The developed transparent polyimides possess high refractive index and low birefringence, suitable for optical communication.
- These materials show significant potential for optical waveguide device development.
- Their properties make them promising candidates for optical communication, Internet of Things, 5G transmission, and extreme environment applications.
