The double-layer structure of Langmuir−Blodgett (LB) multilayer
assemblies formed by a
thermotropic polyacrylate with 2-hydroxyethyl and
[[[[(2-methylbutyl)oxy]phenyl]azo]phenoxy]hexyl
side
groups is modified by annealing and on ultraviolet (UV) irradiation.
Both procedures cause order−disorder
transitions. The interaction with linearly polarized visible light
results in a reversible reorientation of
the azobenzene side groups maintaining the layered structure. In
this way the optical anisotropy of the
LB films is modified reversibly and continuously. In the original
multilayer the photoreorientation process
is restricted by the dense packing of the side groups. But the
process takes place after weakening the
intermolecular interactions. This has been achieved by a suitable
preparation of the films, by annealing
of the thermotropic polymer, or by a photochemically induced decrease
of the supramolecular order. The
photogeneration of anisotropy is governed by the molecular aggregation,
the orientational order, the
thermotropic ordering tendency of the polymer to establish a
homeotropic alignment, and the irradiation
conditions (wavelength, power density, polarization direction).
Continued irradiation or annealing above
the glass transition temperature (T
g) results in
a decrease of absorbance indicating smaller tilt angles.
The photoinduced dichroism is long-term stable but can be erased
by irradiation and heating.