Optically induced surface gratings on azoaromatic polymer films

TLDR

The study discusses potential mechanisms underlying surface alteration of azoaromatic polymer films. Atomic force microscopy was employed to characterize the surface gratings. Optical writing creates stable, highly efficient diffraction gratings on azoaromatic polymer films that can be erased by heating above the glass transition temperature and overwritten or written simultaneously without damaging the film.

Abstract

The surface of an azoaromatic polymer film is optically altered to produce local highly efficient diffraction gratings. The gratings obtained are stable but can be erased by heating the polymer above its glass transition temperature and no permanent damage of the film is observed. Multiple gratings can be simultaneously written and gratings can be overwritten. Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the gratings produced on the surfaces. Possible mechanisms responsible for the surface alteration are discussed.