Holographic Grating in Liquid Crystalline Network containing Azobenzcne Molecules.

Abstract

Photoresponsive liquid crystaltinc(LC) networks with macroscopically uniaxial molecular orientation were prepared by photopolymerization of mixtures of LC mono- and di-acrylates, and an azobenzene monomer in a homogeneous glass cell at a ncmatic phase. Formation and removal of grating were investigated by irradiating two writing beams with an argon ion laser. Efficiency of grating was dependent on the cross-linking density and the content of the azobenzene monomer. The response time of formation and removal of the grating will be discussed.