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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Photoreactive Langmuir–Blodgett–Kuhn multilayer assemblies from functionalized liquid-crystalline side chain polymers, I. Homopolymers containing azobenzene chromophores

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Stable monomolecular layers of a liquid-crystalline homopolymer bearing azobenzene chromophores in the mesogenic side groups could be prepared at the water–air interface by slow compression at room temperature. From the area per monomer unit of A0≈0.25 nm2 a structural model with tightly packed azobenzene groups oriented nearly parallel to the surface normal was deduced. After transfer to a solid support in a Y-type mode the obtained Langmuir–Blodgett–Kuhn (LBK) multilayer assemblies of varying thicknesses (from a double layer to a thick film of d = 238 nm, capable of guiding optical modes) were prepared and analyzed by X-ray reflection and optical evanescent wave techniques. A monolayer thickness of d0 = 2.52 nm, as well as the anisotropic index of refraction of these layers, could thus be evaluated. Photo-isomerization by UV-irradiation (at λ = (360±30)nm) was examined by UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy. X-ray reflectivity data of samples illuminated for 30 min showed a complete loss of the layered structure of the LBK samples. As a result strongly light-scattering films were obtained. Surface plasmon microscopy was used to demonstrate the usefulness of this photo-induced order–disorder transition for optical information storage.