Electro-optical properties and photopolarization anisotropy of methacrylic azopolymer films

We have synthesized polymethacrylates with azobenzene side moieties and “spacers” of different lengths. We have studied the spectra and kinetics of the electro-optical effect appearing in films of such azopolymers after they are exposed to linearly polarized light. The nature of the electro-optical effect is explained by the appearance of photoinduced optical anisotropy in the films, due to a change in the ratio of the concentrations of trans and cis isomers of the azobenzene moieties. The characteristic time required for establishment and relaxation of photoinduced optical anisotropy correlates with the times required for a change in the dielectric characteristics of the studied films when exposed to linearly polarized light. Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Spektroskopii, Vol. 76, No. 2, pp. 307–310, March–April, 2009.