| abstract |
A nonlinear optical article for the controlled propagation of electromagnetic radiation is disclosed. The article includes a reflective metal layer having a thickness in the range of from 100 to 1000 Å and work function in the range of from 2.5 to 4.5 eV, an optical coupler, a dielectric medium comprised of a poled polymeric layer exhibiting a glass transition temperature of at least 50° C. and a second order polarization susceptibility greater than 10 -9 electrostatic units, and means for variably applying an electrical potential to a surface of the dielectric medium remote from the reflective metal layer. A protective metal fluoride or oxide layer having a thickness of less than 0.1 μm is interposed between the reflective metal layer and the poled polymeric layer. |