Wavelength Dependence of the Reorientation Efficiency of Azo Dyes in Polymer Matrixes.

Irradiation with linearly polarized light of azobenzene-containing polymeric matrixes causes reorientation of azobenzene molecules. In this study, the optical light-induced anisotropy of amorphous poly(alkyl methacrylates) doped with an azo compound was measured at different temperatures and at two irradiation wavelengths. To describe a decrease in the efficiency of anisotropy formation with temperature, a model of molecule reorientation is suggested which includes the probability of molecule reorientation per one isomerization as a basic parameter.