Abstract

We show that optically induced orientation by photoisomerization of a push–pull azobenzene chromophore flexibly tethered to a poly(methyl methacrylate) polymer is hindered by hydrostatic pressure. Pressure reduces the free volume and suppresses the photo-orientation of the chromophores in films of this polymer. We show that the quantum yield, ${\mathrm{\Phi }}_{\mathit{TC}},$ of the $\mathit{trans}\to \mathit{cis}$ photoisomerization depends on the applied pressure, and a volume of $(111\pm 7) {\AA }^3$ is measured for the activation of one-chromophore orientation by photoisomerization.

© 2001 Optical Society of America

Light-induced orientation in a high glass transition temperature polyimide with polar azo dyes in the side chain

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