SBIR Phase I: New Synthetic Strategies for Fluoropolymer Integrated Optics

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will focus on synthesis methods to bring the cost of perflurocyclobutyl (PFCB) containing polymers to commercially practical levels. PFCBs are exciting photonic materials due to their breakthrough optical performance and manufacturing characteristics of low optical transmission loss, high Tg, broad refractive index tailorability, and excellent melt and solution processability. Optical performance is tailored based on the fluorine content and backbone structure of the polymer, making synthesis innovation of this family of photonic materials critical to achieving unique performance and commercial availability. The photonic materials market is projected to grow significantly due to the step change in performance for electronic materials. Commercialization will be achieved through sale of the polymer into the optical device market.