Abstract
Azobenzene-containing polymers have been extensively investigated due to the unique response of the azobenzene moiety to light fields. The trans–cis–trans photoisomerization of azobenzene can be utilized to induce molecular angular reorientation as well as macroscopic mass migration in the material. These motions can result in large and stable in-plane anisotropy, nonlinear optical activity, strong refractive-index modulation, and surface-relief gratings, showing great potential for rewritable optical recording and various photonic applications [1]. Stable control over the molecular alignment as well as the efficient inscription of surface-relief gratings typically requires chemical linkage between the photoactive chromophores and the host polymer. We demonstrate that surface-relief gratings (SRGs) with modulation depth of up to 440 nm (Fig. 1a) can be inscribed through the use of hydrogen bonding between the polymer and the chromophores [2]. Such spontaneous linkage simplifies the preparation process compared to covalent functionalization while still being strong enough to induce macroscopic motions of the polymer chains.
© 2009 IEEE
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