Biopolymers for Application in Photonics

Abstract

The possibilities of utilization of biopolymers, the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in particular, are reviewed and discussed. The ways of their functionalization with photoresponsive molecules to get desired properties are described and illustrated on several examples as well as the processing of materials into thin films. Their room-and photo-thermal stability, studied by spectroscopic techniques is reported, together with optical damage thresholds. Physical properties, and more particularly linear, nonlinear and photo-luminescent properties of obtained materials are also reviewed and discussed.