Kaspars Pudzs

All-organic electro-optic waveguide modulator comprising SU-8 and nonlinear optical polymer

In this paper we describe the principles of operation as well as the fabrication and testing steps of an all-organic waveguide modulator. The modulator comprises an SU-8 core and an electro-optic host-guest polymer cladding. The polymer properties are tuned in order to achieve single mode operation. We used direct-write laser lithography in two steps for the preparation of the devices. The electro-optic coefficient of the polymer is estimated from observing the modulation of the device operated in push-pull mode.

Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of 2- and 2,8-substituted tetrathiotetracenes

Reaction of elemental sulfur with 2-R1 and 2,8-R1,R2-substituted tetracenes (2) in refluxing DMF affords 5,6,11,12 tetrathiotetracenes (1) in good yields (74–99%) for a range of substituents where R1,R2 are: H,H (a); Me,H (b); MeO,H (c); Ph,H (d); Me,Me (e), iPr,Me (f, iPr = iso-propyl, CHMe2), Me,MeO (g); MeO,MeO (h). The reaction rate is limited only by the solubility of the tetracene (2); 2g–h being both the least soluble and slowest reacting. At partial conversion recovered single crystalline 2g led to its X-ray structure determination. Vacuum deposited (substrate deposition temperature 300 K, pressure 7 × 10−6 mbar, source temperature 500 K) thin films from 1 (of initial 88–99% purity) show final electrical conductivities, σ(in plane) from 1.40 × 10−5 S cm−1 (1g) to 3.74 × 10−4 S cm−1 (1b) for the resultant near pristine films; while 1d proved too involatile to be effectively sublimed under these conditions. In comparison, initially 95% pure TTT (1a) based films show σ(in-plane) = 4.33 × 10−5 S cm−1. The purities of 1a–h are highly upgraded during sublimation. Well defined micro-crystallites showing blade, needle or mossy like habits are observed in the films. The Seebeck coefficients (Sb) of the prepared 1 range from 374 (1c) to 900 (1f) μV K−1 (vs. 855 μV K−1 for identically prepared 95% pure TTT, 1a). Doping of films of 1f (R1 = iPr, R2 = Me) with iodine produces optimal p-type behaviour: σ(in-plane) = 7.00 × 10−2 S cm−1, Sb = 175 μV K−1. The latters power factor (PF) at 0.33 μW m−1 K−2 is more than 500 times that of the equivalent I2-doped TTT films (1a, R1 = R2 = H), previously regarded as the optimal material for thin film thermoelectric devices using acene radical cation motifs.

Optical phase retrieval using four rotated versions of a single binary mask – simulation results

In signal processing one often faces the phase problem, i.e., when an image is formed information about the phase is lost so that only information about intensity is available. This is often an issue in astronomy, biology, crystallography, speckle imaging, diffractive imaging where the phase of the object must be known. While there have been many approaches how to find a solution to the phase problem, numerical algorithms recovering the phase from intensity measurements become more and more popular. One of such algorithms called PhaseLift has been recently proposed. In this study, we show that even 4 masks may be sufficient for reasonable recovery of the phase. The original wavefront and the recovered wavefront were visually indistinguishable and showed very high correlation. In addition, the four masks are essentially one and the same mask rotated around in steps of 90 degrees. By using just four rotated versions of a single mask, the PhaseLift could be easily implemented in real optical systems thus simplifying the wavefront sensing in astronomy, biology etc.

Photoelectrical properties of indandione fragment containing azobenzene compounds

Organic materials are becoming more popular due to their potential application in electronics. Low molecular weight materials possible produce from solution are in special consideration. It gives the possibility to avoid both thermal evaporation in vacuum, and use of polymers in thin film preparation process. Indandione fragment containing azobenzene compounds are one of such materials. These compounds are good candidates for use in design of novel molecular electronic devices due to their possibility to form amorphous structure from solution thus allowing developing flexible, small size systems with low production costs. In this work three indandione fragment containing azobenzene compounds were investigated. Difference between these compounds is bulky groups which assist formation of amorphous thin film. Absorption spectra of the investigated compounds are similar to P3HT but with higher absorption coefficient. Molecule ionization and electron affinity levels of these compounds are around -5.45eV and -3.80eV, respectively. Combining PCBM with investigated compounds could lead to difference between electron affinity levels maximum of 0.15eV. It is several times less compared to ~1eV for P3HT:PCBM system. Higher difference between the donor ionization level and the acceptor affinity level could also be obtained which should lead to the higher open circuit voltage.

Light-emitting thin films of glassy forming organic compounds containing 2-tert-butyl-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-ylidene

Low molecular mass organic compounds which make thin films from volatile organic solutions would be great benefit in future organic light emitting systems. Two most important advantages could be mentioned. First - the repetition of synthesis of small molecules is better than for polymers. Second - wet casting methods could be used. In this work we are presenting optical, electroluminescence and amplified spontaneous emission properties of four original glassy forming compounds containing 2-tert-butyl-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-ylidene fragment as backbone of the molecule. They has the same N,N-dialkylamino electron donating group with incorporated bulky trityloxy ethyl groups. The difference of these compounds is in electron acceptor group. One has 1H-indene-1,3(2H)-dione group, second has pyrimidine-2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-trione group, third has malononitrile group and fourth has 2-ethyl-2-cyanoacetate. Absorption maximum of the compounds is between 420 and 500 nm and is red shifted from weaker acceptor group to stronger one. The electroluminescence efficiency for simple device ITO/PEDOT:PSS/Organic compound/BaF/Al is low. For the best one with malononitrile group it was 0.13 cd/A and 0.036 lm/W. It could be increased by optimising the sample geometry or adding addition layers for charge carrier transport and exciton blocking. But nevertheless the use of these compounds in organic light emitting devices in neat films is unlikely. Attached bulky trityloxy ethyl groups and tert-butyl group decrease interaction between the molecules thus allowing to obtain amplified spontaneous emission in neat thin films for all investigated compounds.