New halogenated monomers and polymers for low loss plastic optical fiber

Abstract
In this paper, theoretical studies about refractive index and attenuation of halogenated and deuterated monomers and polymers are described. Concerning refractive index study, a mathematical model is elaborated to calculate the refractive index of acrylic monomers accurately. Concerning the attenuation in a near infrared (NIR) and visible region, we have shown and quantified that the most important factor of intrinsic absorption in Plastic Optical Fibers (POF) is the presence of C-H bonds. So to reduce attenuation of POF, halogenated and deuterated acrylates and vinyl carbonates are synthesized. Thermal and optical properties of the corresponding homo and copolymers are discussed.