Anisotropy of the photo-induced translation diffusion of azobenzene dyes in polymer matrices

Abstract

Large-amplitude negative holographic surface-relief gratings are optically induced by resonant visible exposure in azobenzene dye-containing polymers. We propose a simple diffusion model accounting for the essential dynamic features of surface-relief grating formation. It accounts for intensity and polarization dependences. Understanding of the process appears to be essential for holographic grating applications. It opens new perspectives associated with optically controlled anisotropic diffusion.