Degradable polymers in photonic applications

The application of degradable polymers in general and polyesters in particular in photonic applications is still in its infancy, although [bio] degradability can certainly bring an added value to a number of applications. 

Polyesters have also been applied in wave guide materials [161, 162]. In this regard, fluorine atoms are often introduced to modify the materials refractive index as fluorine is bulkier than hydrogen the material becomes less dense effectively lowering its refractive index. However, due to these modifications the polymer becomes more hydrophobic which inhibits hydrolysis of these materials. These materials are thus no longer considered biodegradable. 

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