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Spontaneous Patterning of Hexagonal Structures in an Azo-Polymer Using Light-Controlled Mass Transport
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2002
Year
Coherent Laser IrradiationHexagonal StructuresEngineeringSpontaneous PatterningSoft MatterOptical PropertiesThreshold ValuePolarization DirectionLaser-surface InteractionsPhotopolymer NetworkBiophysicsNanophotonicsMaterials SciencePhotochromismPhotoelasticityPattern FormationLaser PhotochemistrySelf-assemblyPolymer ScienceApplied PhysicsMedicinePolymer Self-assemblyPolymer Modeling
Spontaneous formation of hexagonal surface relief patterns (see Figure) occurs upon uniform, coherent laser irradiation of a poly-(methylmethacrylate) with 35 % of the methyl ester groups replaced by an azo dye. The structures grow at a rate linearly dependent on the light intensity, above a threshold value. Using linearly polarized light, the elongation axis of the structures orients along the polarization direction.