Generation of Graded Index Profile of Poly(methyl methacrylate) by a Photochemical Reaction

Fabrication of a graded index profile was possible via photochemical reaction of cinnamoyl groups with 350 nm wavelength UV light to form crosslinked structures. Such structural change may induce the change in the refractive index. In order to generate graded index profile in the PMMA polymer optical fiber (POF) with cinnamoyl groups by photochemistry, a methyl methacrylate monomer containing a cinnamoyl functional group in the side chain were prepared. This monomer was then copolymerized with methyl methacrylate with various compositions not only to utilize advantages of poly(methyl methacrylate) but also to overcome the drawbacks of the cinnamate homopolymer. Changes of refractive indices were investigated with various contents of cinnamoyl group and varying irradiation time. Large change in the refractive index (${\Delta}{\approx}0.01$) and its proper profile shape ($g{\approx}2.2$) can be obtained by changing irradiation time.