The effect of large magnitude electric fields on polymer thin films is being investigated by examining the charge distribution, symmetry, and magnitude across doped and undoped glassy polymer thin films as a function of temperature, time, and poling (processing). This is done by electrochromism, second-order nonlinear optics, isothermal current and surface voltage decay measurements. Trapping levels and sites are also examined. Electrochromism examines the charge distribution and trapping sites across doped polymer and functionalized polymer films as a function of processing. Second-order nonlinear optical techniques including second harmonic generation and the linear electro-optic effect are used to study the charge distribution at different penetration depths and will yield qualitative information on trapping sites. Isothermal current and surface voltage decay measurements allow bulk characterization of fields in contact- and corona-poled films, respectively. Dielectic relaxation provides bulk electrical property data and information concerning polymer relaxations and rotational mobility of the dopants. This research represents an attempt to systematically investigate the electric field properties of glassy polymer thin films. Potential applications include electric power transmission, printing technology, photonics, telecommunications, and electrophotography.
