Molecular Structure and Properties of Sulfur‐Containing High Refractive Index Polymer Optical Materials

Abstract High refractive index polymers (HRIPs) are widely used in lenses, waveguide, antireflective layer and encapsulators, especially the advanced fields of augmented/virtual reality (AR / VR) holographic technology and photoresist for chip manufacturing. In order to meet the needs of different applications, the development of HRIPs focuses not only on the increase in refractive index but also on the balance of other properties. Sulfur‐containing high refractive index polymers have received extensive attention from researchers due to their excellent properties. In recent years, not only ultrahigh refractive index sulfur‐containing polymers have been continuously developed, but also low dispersion, low birefringence, high transparency, good mechanical properties, and machinability have been studied. The design of HRIPs is generally based on formulas and existing experience. In fact, molecular structure and properties are closely related. Mastering the structure–property relationship helps researchers to develop high refractive index polymer materials with balanced properties. This review briefly introduces the preparation methods of sulfur‐containing high refractive index polymers, and summarizes the structure–property relationship between the sulfur‐containing molecular structure and optical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, etc. Finally, the important role of synergistic effect in the synthesis of HRIPs and the prospect of future research on HRIPs are proposed.