Date of Award
Spring 1988
Document Type
Thesis - Restricted
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering
First Advisor
Ishii, Thomas K.
Second Advisor
Josse, F.
Third Advisor
Doerr, T.
Abstract
The determination of the quadratic electrooptic coefficients for commercial Plexiglas, polymethyl methacrylate, is elaborated based on experimental results. A suitable theory based on existing methods for uni axial crystals is developed for the treatment of Plexiglas as a uniaxial material under a dc biasing electric field, in keeping with the nature of the well known Kerr effect in liquids and amorphous solids. The experiments needed to determine the coefficients are discussed. Using the experimental data, the birefringence due to the applied field is calculated to be 2.4709 x 10-7 ; subsequently, the Kerr constant is found to be 3.5213 x 10-14 m/v2 and the s44 quadratic electrooptic coefficient is found to be -7878 x 10-18 m2/v2. The remaining coefficients for the quadratic electrooptic tensor were approximated by +s44 and -s44 for s11 and s12, respectively. The rationale in the calculations and approximations needed for the determinations are discussed and critiqued, where appropriate.
Recommended Citation
Griffis, Andrew J., "Characterization of the Electrooptic Effect in Plexiglas" (1988). Master's Theses (1922-2009) Access restricted to Marquette Campus. 4685.
https://epublications.marquette.edu/theses/4685