Polymers for Optical Applications

Dear Colleagues,

This special issue will focus on the current state-of-the-art in the applications of polymers in optics and photonics. Polymers have now become widespread in their applications in optics, electro-optics, and photonics and this issue will serve to summarize the field and describe the latest research results. Papers are sought which discuss the latest research in this area and/or review the state of the research in selected areas. Special emphasis will be give to applications in integrated and fiber optics. Papers are sought on research results in conventional optical components, polymer lasers, integrated optics including waveguide fabrication and measurements, single or multimode plastic optical fiber, electro-optic and nonlinear optical polymers including polymer synthesis, modulators and switches and NLO devices, thermo-optical devices, optically based sensors, and the long term stability of polymer photonic devices and components. The hybrid applications of polymers in optics which show the combination of polymer integrated optics with high speed electronics and/or other optical materials such as semi-conductors and crystalline materials are also sought. Low cost fabrication of large area polymer integrated circuits by molding or embossing show great promise and papers which discuss these approaches and give current research results and show of the possibilities for low cost manufacture will be considered.

Prof. Dr. William H. Steier
Guest Editor