The future of information technology requires ultra-high speed processing and large data storage capacity. Since the electronics technology using semi-cond- tors and inorganic materials is about to reach its limits,much current research is focused on utilizing much faster photons than electrons, namely photonics. To achieve any significant effect on the actual use of the science of photonics,dev- opments of more efficient photonics materials,better optical property evaluations, manufacture of devices for system applications,etc. are the subjects which need to be explored. In particular,the development of photonics materials stands in the forefront of research as this constitutes the most pertinent factor with regard to the development of ultra-high speed and large capacity information processing. In this respect, there has been continuous research on photo-responsive materials through molecular structure design and architecture and the results so far are very promising as functions and performances are beginning to realize their high expectations.
The two special volumes "Polymers for Photonics Applications"give authori- tive and critical reviews on up-to-date activities in various fields of photonic po- mers including their promising applications. Seven articles have been contributed by internationally recognized and they deal with,polymers for second- and thi- order nonlinear optics,quadratic parametric interactions in polymer waveguides, electroluminescent polymers as light sources,photoreflective polymers for ho- graphic information storage,and highly efficient two-photon absorbing organics and polymers.

Contributions by: C. Bosshard, M. Canva, L. Dalton, U. Gubler, J.-I. Jin, H.-K. Shim, G.I. Stegeman