Photoinduced Optical Anisotropy in thin Films of Amorphous Photochromic Side Chain Polymers

Abstract

Abstract High values of optical anisotropy have been induced in glassy films of amorphous copolymers containing azobenzene moieties and rod—like side groups by angular—dependent photoselection. The photoinduced reorientation of the photochromic groups causes a reorientation of the non—photochromic groups due to a co-operative effect.